Dynamics
From End The Cult
According to Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard the basic principle of existence is to survive. He asserted that survival takes place through Eight Dynamics which are essentially subdivisions of life. Scientology Ethics are concerned with the effect of individual actions on the survival across all eight dynamics.
Contents |
List of Dynamics
The first four dynamics were mentioned in Hubbard’s book ‘Dianetics: Modern Science of Mental Health’.
- 1st Dynamic: The self – the survival instinct as it relates to the individual
- 2nd Dynamic: Sex – the survival instinct as it relates to reproduction and the raising of children
- 3rd Dynamic: Group – the survival instinct as it relates to the individual’s surrounding group
- 4th Dynamic: Mankind – the survival instinct as it relates to humanity
When Hubbard turned Dianetics into a subset of Scientology, he added a further four dynamics:
- 5th Dynamic: Animals and Plants – the survival instinct as it relates to all other life-forms
- 6th Dynamic: The Universe – the survival instinct as it relates to the physical universe
- 7th Dynamic: Theta or Life Force – the survival instinct as it relates to the spirit
- 8th Dynamic: Infinity / God – the survival instinct as it relates to the supreme being
Relevance of Dynamics within Scientology
| An optimum solution to any problem would be that solution which brought the greatest benefits to the greatest number of dynamics. The poorest solution would be that solution which brought the greatest harm to the most number of dynamics. | |
| Introduction To Scientology Ethics, 2007 Edition | |
The Eight Dynamics are the basis for Scientology Ethics. Actions which help increase survival among the dynamics are considered ‘good’ and actions that decrease survival are considered ‘bad’.
Most actions can increase some dynamics and decrease others. A common phrase in Scientology is “the greatest good for the greatest number of dynamics”. This type of thinking is a powerful controlling mechanism and can enable people to rationalize actions that decrease their personal well-being (i.e. a decrease in the first dynamic) if it causes increases in other dynamics. Doing what is best for third dynamic group survival (typically Scientology itself) and for the survival of the fourth dynamic (for example the crusade to clear the planet) can be considered a higher priority for a Scientologist than the survival of themselves or of critics.
| To be good, something must contribute to the individual, to his family, his children, his group, Mankind or life. To be good, a thing must contain construction which outweighs the destruction it contains. A new cure which saves a hundred lives and kills one is an acceptable cure. Good is survival. Good is being more right than one is wrong. Good is being more successful than one is unsuccessful, along constructive lines. | |
| Introduction To Scientology Ethics, 2007 Edition | |
