Corrupted Culture is a book about human nature, Hereditarianism, Humanistic Psychology, and America’s culture.  The author, Vincent Ryan Ruggiero, is an emeritus professor of humanities, at the State University of New York, Delhi College; and a prolific writer of  books.In the book’s “Introduction”, Ruggiero opines that the roots of virtually all of America’s present social and political problems can be traced to two (in Ruggiero’s opinion, mistaken) views of human nature.  Namely, the view, rising to prominence in the early twentieth century, that biology is destiny; and which spawned the “Hereditarianism” movement.  And secondly, the “Humanistic Psychology” view,  advanced in the mid twentieth century, gravitating towards feelings (rather than reason), self-actualization, and self-esteem.As evaluated critically by Ruggiero, the unfounded pessimism of Hereditarianism, with respect to human nature, was supplanted later by the unfounded optimism of Humanistic Psychology.  The writing cudgel wielded by Ruggiero delivers many critically opinionated blows, to the body of Hereditarianism and Humanistic Psychology.  The contents of the book, overall, are an intellectually deep reservoir of ideas, criticisms, opinions, insights, views, and suggestions flowing  copiously from Ruggiero’s many powerful currents of intellectual thoughts.

There is extensive research referencing of the textual body.  Citations pertaining to textually pertinent references  are given, on a chapter by chapter basis, in a “Notes” section, placed structurally after concluding Chapter 9.  Many of the Notes provide instructively annotated comment.

A vast multitude of snippets, culled from many sources and in the form of quotes, contribute very materially to the forming of the book’s substantive composition.

The discourse of Ruggiero is garbed, very distinctively, with a cloak of intellectual forthrightness.

In Chapter 1, Ruggiero views intellectually the tree of “Social Darwinism”, observing that the branches of Hereditarianism, “Progressivism”, and the “Eugenics Movement” branched off of its trunk.  Sharp sighted observer Ruggiero, in sharply critical fashion, observes Hereditarianism and its influence on education, American industry, and American culture.  The range of discourse ranges to Progressivism and the Eugenics Movement.

The attention of readers, in Chapter 2, is riveted firmly to Humanistic Psychology.  In the frame of Humanistic Psychology, Ruggiero looks closely at Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and Alfred Kinsey.  The ideas of Rogers, Maslow, and Kinsey are placed under a powerful microscope for critical examination.  Ruggiero focuses critically on the alleged influence of their ideas on:  education, religion, government, families, law, and journalism.

Across the length and breadth of Chapter 3, Ruggiero expounds, in his characteristically bluntly opinionated manner, on:  specific ideas (examined in the first two chapters); “expanded meanings” (of those ideas); and purported “consequences” (of those ideas, and their expanded meanings).

In Chapter 4, Ruggiero soundly subjects ideas of Hereditarianism and Humanistic Psychology to further severe thrashing.

Explaining, at the start of Chapter 5, that more vexing questions remain, Ruggiero lists several such questions; and then, as the chapter unfolds, Ruggiero answers the questions in  opinionated fashion.  Human ego is also considered, germanely.

At the fore of Chapter 6, the roving eye of Ruggiero spots Austrian psychiatrist and Nazi concentration camp survivor, Viktor Frankl.  As explained by Ruggiero, Frankl concluded that life’s essential task is the search for meaning; and that this search is thwarted by self absorption, but enhanced by self transcendence. Ruggiero eyes Humanistic Psychology through the lens of Frankl’s views.  The intellectual flashlight of Ruggiero shines intellectually illumining light on Frankl’s views regarding:  “self”, self-actualization, self-esteem, reality and truth, reason and feelings, and sex.

The dimensions of self garner Ruggiero’s thoughtful attention, in Chapter 7.  The process of change likewise collects Ruggiero’s discerning attention, as do guilt and shame.  Also in this chapter, Ruggiero identifies several “common sense” ideas; and expounds with thoughtfulness on the expanded meanings and probable consequences of those ideas,.

In next to last Chapter 8, Ruggiero proffers a multitude of strategies pertinent (in his view) to the realigning of human behavior and views  with the realities of human nature.  The strategies offered appertain, in particular, to:  increasing intelligence, overcoming imperfections, achieving self transcendence, achieving justified self esteem, valuing truth,  elevating  reason over feelings, being responsible sexually, and guiding children.

And not least, in concluding Chapter 9, Ruggiero, in the enframing context of cultural reform, opines with his customary forthrightness about reforms relating to:  education, religion, government, journalism, publishing, and the entertainment media.  Numerous suggestions are also given by Ruggiero, concerning what “average” individuals can do to support reform.

Cautious readers may caution that the powerfully impactful writing of Ruggiero shows measurably a sizable measure of zealousness; and that, congruently, the book, as crafted, is somewhat polemical in nature.

But certainly, for all lay and professional persons with an intellectual hunger for understanding human nature and America’s evolution, Ruggiero’s very many edifying morsels of criticisms, ideas, opinions, and suggestions provide much food for considerably satiating intellectual digestion.

 

© 2014 Leo Uzych

 

Leo Uzych (based in Wallingford, PA) earned a law degree, from Temple University; and a master of public health degree, from Columbia University.  His area of special  professional interest is healthcare.  Twitter @LeoUzych