Slimy, Yet Satisfying

The insula was great at its old job. But it doesn't belong in the board room.

Indulging in socially forbidden activities, rebellion, is the key to shutting up the insula.

There have been many stories that follow this pattern.

Jim is in society.

Society says don't eat/do/play with X, because it will result in consequences.

Jim gets curious about X.

Society ostracizes Jim.

Jim eats/does/plays with X, and doesn't experience consequences.

Jim uses X to save society. Society thanks Jim and embraces X.

Progress is stifled by overabundant disgust.

Doing the thing you were taught to find reprehensible is the key to salvation. You realize you are not as corruptible as previously supposed. You know from experience that the imposed rules were wrong. This calls into question external authority, and fosters trust of internal authority.

The Lion King demonstrates this in a cute way. Simba is afraid to eat bugs. But Pumba and Timon finally sell him on the idea. He rebels against his culturally programmed disgust for insect cuisine, and surprised, concurs with his buddies. "Slimy, yet satisfying."

Last thought. I've shared this before. Jesus was born of Mary. Jesus means 'Jehovah's Salvation'.  Mary means 'Rebellion'.

Salvation is born of Rebellion.

Disgust is conquered by indulgence.

Judgement is dispersed by participation. 

Simba's bugs, Luke in the tauntaun carcass, Andy Dufresne (Shawshank Redemption) "who crawled through a river of shit and came out clean on the other side",  the kid from Slumdog Millionaire in the outhouse looking for the photo to be autographed, the Good Samaritan helping the wounded man, God coming to earth and being born in a manger full of pooping animals, and so on and so on.

That which disgusts you may be holding up a beacon. Walk in that direction. (unless having sex with kids disgusts you, let's keep that one. Thanks insula!)