A novel combination of homeopathy and psychology

“It is probably true quite generally that in the history of human thinking the most fruitful developments frequently take place at those points where two different lines of thought meet. These lines may have their roots in quite different parts of human culture, in different times or different cultural environments or different religious traditions: hence if they actually meet, that is, if they are at least so much related to each other that a real interaction can take place, then one may hope that new and interesting developments may follow.”

Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976)

The history of homeopathy begins with the search for the definition of the symptom. Recognising symptoms as part of the defence mechanism and as the body’s means of restoring its balance (homeostasis) is the foundation of the therapeutic system of homeopathy. Consequently, the first homeopaths began with the study of the symptoms.

Homeopathy makes a distinction between three categories of symptoms: psychological, general and physical. Within this context different ways of treating an individual’s symptoms were developed accordingly. The Kent school of thought set the symptoms in order of hierarchy as follows: Mental/emotional – General – Physical, whereas Boenninghausen’s hierarchy is defined as General – Mental/emotional – Physical and Boger’s as General – Physical – Mental/emotional.

Homeopathy has been practiced based on this methodology for many decades, mainly in the context of pathology and general medicine. During that time, a large number of provings of homeopathic remedies was conducted and a great deal of information on new medicines was acquired, though mainly on physical and general symptoms. Despite homeopaths’ efforts, knowledge on most remedies is limited. However, a wealth of information is available on a number of multi-purpose remedies, and it is on this information that homeopaths based their homeopathic practice until recently.

In recent years however, a veritable revolution in the field of homeopathy has taken place. Therapists that were mainly into psychoanalysis began to venture into homeopathy. The theory that dreams provide direct access to the unconscious led the provings to new directions. Currently, during provings, the study of dreams is a fundamental procedure. In this way, a great deal of information on the character of remedies is collected.

Various teams from around the world began to study homeopathy in a different light. One of the most well-known teams is that of Rajan Sankaran, who introduced a novel approach in the study of the psychological symptom of delusion, which is found in every Repertory by homeopaths. He believed that delusions are not exclusive to schizophrenics, but that each one of us has a personal illusion of reality; each one of us perceives reality from their very own point of view.

According to this approach, the therapist seeks the particular way in which each patient perceives reality. When taking the patient history, the therapist does not only record the patient’s symptoms, but looks for the underlying distinct way with which he or she experiences reality. Sankaran’s teaching method of the homeopathic materia medica is consistent with the above principles. He describes remedies in terms of different ways of perceiving reality.

My study alongside Rajan Sankaran as well as my specialization in psychiatry helped me adopt the above viewpoint, and thus I changed the way in which I recorded a patient’s history. Rather than simply registering the symptoms, I tried to investigate further by looking at the patient’s relationship with him/herself and the environment.

For this new methodology I used the term “Cognitive Homeopathy”. According to Cognitive Homeopathy, each individual has his or her own hierarchy of ideals-values in life. For example, some rate money above everything else, others family, love relationships, fame, aspirations, etc.

An individual’s various distortions of ideas (delusions) are formed depending on the environment. For example, some believe that they are not loved in a relationship, others that they are not appreciated by their friends, or that they will be abandoned by their relatives, that they will be abused, etc.

The above approach brought on radical changes to my daily practice of homeopathy because my primary focus shifted towards understanding each individual patient rather than simply classifying them according to the existing multi-purpose remedies. There were frequently cases of patients that could not be classified in a known class of remedies, but for whom it was obvious that a remedy that took into account their particular system of beliefs would be much more appropriate.

Slowly-slowly I started to understand an increasing number of remedies and their core in depth. The biggest part of my work concerned the study of the periodic table of elements. The use of synthetic thought lead me to create many new triple salts, which are coordination compounds that contain three chemical elements in their composition with the exception of hydrogen and oxygen.

At this stage, the help of pharmacists Ioannis Efstathiou, a man with international distinctions in the field of alternative medicine (homeopathy, herbalk medicine, etc.) and his daughter Christiana Efstathiou proved valuable. They undertook the task of preparing hundreds of new homeopathic remedies. The most significant of these are new coordination compounds made of three chemical elements, apart from hydrogen and oxygen. These compounds were named triple salts.

These new remedies produced spectacular results. The main reason was the precise individualisation of the patient, and consequently the more comprehensive inclusion of the symptoms. As a result, patients that previously only displayed minor improvements after years of homeopathic treatment, began to experience remarkable results following the administration of some new triple salt. The academic recognition followed shortly afterwards when in November 2000 the Russian Academy of Sciences awarded the Pavlov prize for the clinical applications of those new remedies.

Some main ideals-values concerning these homeopathic remedies will be presented below. In these descriptions many of you may recognise certain aspects of yourselves that may be exaggerated, thus causing you problems. These observations are essential for you to help your homeopath prescribe an appropriate remedy, especially if he or she practices Cognitive Homeopathy. On the other hand, if you cannot find something that clearly applies to you, do not worry. There is countless more data which is recorded in Repertory Organon 2001 and much more that is being taught in Cognitive Homeopathy seminars. These are already being coded and classified in order to be included in the next edition of ORGANON 2001, to be released in 2008-2009, which surely cannot be expanded on further in this summary update.

Achievement and carbon compounds

A very important factor in life is the fulfilment of our endeavours. The stress we might feel stimulates us to intensify our efforts thus achieving the desirable goal. There are individuals that are insecure about their capacity for achievement, and as a result their stress is increased. These individuals need carbon compounds (carbonicum).

Love and phosphorus compounds

Individuals that place love very high in their ideals are usually outgoing, open-hearted, affectionate and cheerful. They are likely to tell you that they want to feel loved and that they would do anything to achieve it. They often feel that they are not loved as much as they would like. Caresses, as a way of expression, are related to the idea of love. Phosphoric compounds are recommended for all those individuals that care so much about being loved.

Appreciation and sulphur compounds

Individuals that place appreciation by others very high in their ideals are usually serious and they earn the respect and recognition of those around them. They are individuals that often receive praise. If you ask them, they will tell you that appreciation by others is very important to them and that they try very hard to receive it. They often feel that they are not appreciated by others. Sulphur compounds are recommended for all those individuals that are particularly keen on being appreciated by others.

Abandonment and iodine compounds

Iodine compounds are recommended for those who fear abandonment. These individuals perceive any distancing from another as abandonment, and for this reason they want to constantly keep their loved ones in close proximity. Hence, if some parents describe their child as wanting to constantly be with them and that he or she will not let them go out without him/her, the child’s deeper insecurity is the fear of being abandoned by the parents. As a matter of fact, abandonment is a popular theme in children’s fairy tales.

Abuse and bromine compounds

Bromine compounds are recommended for individuals that have been abused during childhood or who fear that they will be abused. These individuals are very frightened. They are constantly afraid that they will be abused by others. Sometimes their fear of abuse drives them to reproduce violence. It is very common for abused children to grow into violent adults that abuse others.

The need for trust and arsenic compounds

There are individuals that consider relationships based on trust as very important. They are likely to tell you that it is very important for them to have honest relationships with others and for this reason they are very formal in their behaviour towards other people. They are often wary about being deceived by others and consequently they are particularly sceptic and find it difficult to trust others.

The need for immediate fulfilment of needs and fluorine compounds

Fluorine compounds (fluoricum) are recommended for dissatisfied, insatiable individuals, with increased needs and incessant demands for immediate satisfaction of their needs. They often feel that there is nothing that could satisfy them. When frustrated they can become aggressive.

The sense of danger and nitrogen compounds

There are individuals who often fantasise about external threats. They are always alert and they cannot relax. They are constantly considering the necessary measures in case of danger. Nitrogen compounds (nitric, nitrous, nitricum) are suitable for these individuals.

Easy disappointment and chlorine compounds

Chlorine compounds are suitable for individuals that are easily disappointed or that fear they might be disappointed in their relationships with others. Their fear of disappointment makes them introverted.

Easy emotional wounding and chromium compounds

Chromium compounds are recommended for individuals that are hypersensitive and easily wounded. Because they are afraid of being hurt, they are particularly introverted and cautious in their behaviour.

Disability and boron salts

There are individuals that feel different and inferior to others. Such are individuals that grow up with a disability. They are usually very introverted and have difficulty in expressing their feelings. Borium compounds will be helpful in treating the problem of these individuals as well as in their smooth social integration.

Relationships between men and women and sodium salts (natrium)

An important aspect of life is the mating of the sexes. Through this process nature provides the necessary conditions for the procreation of humankind. Through this relationship children will be born. With the birth of children a family is created to provide them with the necessary protection until they grow up and become self-sufficient.

Sodium salts are suitable for individuals that place great importance in relationships and companionship. In other words, they are recommended for those that either consume a great deal of energy to this end or for those whose insecurities lie in this area. Therefore, sodium salts are recommended for those individuals whose insecurities revolve around their relationships.

Information on some sodium salts is given below:

·         The Natrium Muriaticum types experience disappointment in the relationship. Namely, they are afraid of being disappointed in the relationship or have been greatly disappointed by their love life in the past.

·         The Natrium Phosphoricum types have the persistent feeling of not being loved in the relationship.

·         The Natrium Sulphuricum types have the persistent feeling of not being appreciated in the relationship.

·         The Natrium Iodatum types believe that they will be abandoned by their partner and do everything to avoid it.

·         The Natrium Bromatum types feel abused in the relationship.

·         The Natrium Bichromicum types get easily hurt in the relationship.

·         The Natrium Carbonicum types feel unable to cope in the relationship.

·         The Natrium Arsenicosum types feel extremely suspicious in the relationship, unable to trust, and believe their partner to be selfish and deceitful.

·         The Natrium Nitricum types have a constant sense of some unidentifiable danger in the relationship and they believe that something fatal will happen to their partner.

• The Natrium Fluoratum types feel unsatisfied in the relationship. Therefore, there is a constant struggle within them to break it up.

The remedy Borax is a combination of boron and sodium. This remedy meets the needs of those who feel different and inferior to others whilst at the same time they have difficulty in forming a relationship.

The need to belong and potassium salts (kalium)

Potassium salts are suitable for individuals who place great importance in belonging to a group. The first group we belong to after birth is our family. Later, through social contacts, we form a group of friends. Therefore, potassium salts are recommended for individuals whose insecurities relate to their family or friends.

Information about some major potassium salts is given below:

• The Kalium Carbonicum types experience intense feelings of inadequacy and feel unable to cope without the support of friends.

• The Kalium Phosphoricum types feel that their loved ones do not care about them. Patients believe that their family or friends do not love them. For this reason, they constantly strive to obtain their love and attention.

• The Kalium Sulphuricum types feel an intense need for appreciation by loved ones. The individual is constantly trying to obtain their praise. In other cases, the person might feel unappreciated by loved ones.

• The Kalium Muriaticum types are afraid of being let down by loved ones. In certain cases they say that they have been greatly disappointed in the past.

• The Kalium Bichromicum types are afraid of being hurt by loved ones. In some cases the individual reports having been deeply wounded by them.

• The Kalium Iodatum types are afraid of being abandoned by family or friends.

• The Kalium Bromatum types feel intensely abused by friends and family. In other cases, the individual is afraid of being abused without the support of friends.

• The Kalium Arsenicosum types are unable to trust the friends whose support they need. They frequently believe that their friends will take advantage of them.

• The Kalium Fluoratum types feel that the members of the group whose support they need do not fulfil their needs, which are obviously insatiable. Therefore, there is a constant struggle within them to break up these relationships.

• The Kalium Nitricum types constantly feel that the members of the group they rely on are in danger and that something bad will happen to them.

The need for a secure environment and the group of calcium (calcarea)

As previously said, the family provides the necessary safety and protection for children to grow up in. When individuals reach adulthood, they do not need this safety and protection any more. However, certain individuals despite being adults still need to be provided with safety and protection and seem to be clinging to their childhood. For these individuals calcium salts are particularly suitable.

Information about some major calcium salts is given below.

·         The Calcarea Carbonica types feel unable to cope without somebody providing them with safety and protection. They experience intense anxiety when lacking the safety they need so much.

·         The Calcarea Phosphorica types feel unloved by their parents or parental figure, such as their employer, schoolteacher, etc.

·         The Calcarea Iodata types feel that they will be abandoned by their parental figure, namely by the person whose protection they need.

·         The Calcarea Sulphurica types have doubts about the appreciation of their parents. They often feel that they are not appreciated as much as their siblings, or have the constant need to be appreciated by their parental figure (schoolteacher, employer). For this reason, they try very hard to obtain their appreciation.

·         The Calcarea Arsenicosa types feel an intense need for safety and protection, but mistrust those whose support they seek. The individual may be thinking: “Even my father will take advantage of me. I cannot even trust my own father”.

·         The Calcarea Fluorica types have a great deal of needs that are expected to be fulfilled by the parental figure that protects them. Even though they always receive, they are never satisfied. As a result, these individuals show extreme anger towards their parents, something that can also be expressed as intense hostility towards the social system.

·         The Calcarea Muriatica type claims: “I have been disappointed by my parents” or “I am afraid of being disappointed by my parents”. Another case for this remedy is when a patient needs safety and at the same time gets disappointed very easily.

·         The Calcarea Bromata types have a history of abuse during childhood or they imagine that they will be abused by the actual or the symbolic parent, whose protection they seek.

·         The Calcarea Chromica types are deeply hurt by the actual or the symbolic parent whom they expect to provide them with safety and protection.

·         The Calcarea Nitrica types feel they will lose their parents whom they need for safety and protection. This type is not common in our days but it is frequently encountered in individuals that have been through a war.

The sense of orphan hood and magnesium salts

Magnesium salts are related to orphan hood. They are useful for people that grow up as orphans. After one of my lectures in Novosibirsk, Siberia, doctor Natalia Titjeva decided to apply the knowledge on magnesium salts in the city’s orphanage. She then observed that almost all the children’s problems were alleviated using magnesium salts.

Apart from genuine orphan hood there is also imaginary orphan hood. The individuals, even if they have parents, feel alone in the world. At times they might believe that their parents are not the real ones. Such individuals believe that their parents did not bring them up the way they should. In other cases the sense of orphan hood may develop after a period in a boarding school.

Information on some major magnesium salts is given below.

·         The Magnesia Phosphorica types feel a lack of love along with a sense of orphan hood. Such individuals have a constant need to receive love from their environment and they often feel that others do not care about them. When we see an individual who belongs in the magnesium group begging for affection, Magnesia Phosphorica should be considered. In other cases, an individual of this type may suffer from depression because no one has ever loved them.

·         The Magnesia Sulphurica types can overcome the feeling of orphan hood through appreciation. This means that they try to overcome orphan hood by earning the appreciation of others. In these cases, the individuals try to be the centre of attention and to invoke admiration and praise.

• The Magnesia Arsenicica types adopt a particularly cautious attitude towards the world. They believe that, being as they are orphans, everybody is trying to exploit them. Consequently, they try to control everything around them so that they will not become a victim of robbery or deception.

·         The Magnesia Iodata types, along with the sense of orphan hood, feel an intense anxiety of being abandoned.

·         The Magnesia Carbonica types are associated with a pronounced element of inadequacy. In these cases, the individuals have shortcomings in many areas and constantly wonder how and whether they are going to cope, etc. This remedy deals with the efforts of orphans to stand on their own as well as with the consequences of these efforts.

·         The Magnesia Fluorata types, apart from the sense of orphan hood, also have great needs that cannot be fulfilled by anything. The individuals develop intense hostility towards the social system, which they deem as cruel and merciless.

·         The Magnesia Muriatica types, along with the sense of orphan hood, display a pronounced element of disappointment.

• The Magnesia Chromica types include orphans that are easily wounded, even by the slightest criticism.

• The Magnesia Nitrica types experience constant fear that something really bad will happen to them and that they will remain orphans forever. They are afraid that something bad will happen to whoever comes in contact with them or that they will fall ill and die: “The family I am creating now will die just like my parents did”.

• The Magnesia Bromata types include orphans with severe notions of abuse. When the notions of orphan hood and abuse coexist in an orphan, it is likely that they were abused in some institution and for this reason they fear abuse. It might also mean that even though they have not been abused, they still perceive reality in such a way.

Self-reliance and barium salts

The element that prevails in the barium group is the difficulty to achieve self-reliance. The individuals do not feel self-sufficient, but dependent on their family. The barium group individuals feel constantly like the lowest in the rank. They feel inadequate in relation to others and that they will be the worst in anything they do, which is why they believe that others are constantly laughing at them. As a result, they are often timid and reserved. They rarely form new friendships.

Consistency and the salts of silver (argentum)

We often hear people describe themselves as extremely consistent. These people suffer from the inconsistency of others. Especially in Greece, things are even worse for them. A few years ago, when a patient reported excessive consistency as their feature, I would consider it normal and difficult to change through homeopathy. This was until I went into cognitive homeopathy and deeply comprehended the argentum compounds. It must be stressed though that if you take an argentum salt, it does not mean that you will become inconsistent. You will simply become more flexible. You will be less strict with yourself and with others. And if it so happens that you diverge slightly from your schedule, it will not be the end of world. Everything can be fixed. In any case, if you are habitually late in your appointments without getting stressed, then the argentum salts are not suitable for you.

Let us look at certain argentum salts in some more detail:

·         The Argentum Metallicum types display excessive consistency. Argentum individuals are excessively consistent. In the Argentum type, consistency prevails over all other concepts, in its purest form. The individuals feel the need to follow their schedule meticulously, to be punctual in their appointments, to keep their word. The exaggeration of this feature torments the individual as well as the people around them.

Argentum individuals are particularly rational. Reason controls all their emotions. However, consistency has no place in the world of emotions. Therefore, in the Argentum individuals emotions are controlled, there is no impulsive expression, and the control of reason prevails. Their suppressed ability for communication finds its way out through conversation, singing, acting or writing. Their desire for conversation and their cheerfulness makes these individuals sociable. But even though they are very articulate, they find it difficult to express their emotions. Their difficulty in expressing their emotions makes others view them as cold. When it comes to sexuality where the ability for communication is essential, Argentum individuals are generally controlled during the sexual act and they lack passion and spontaneity.

Another pronounced feature that results from consistency is hurriedness. Argentum individuals are constantly rushed as if they have to be somewhere on time.

We described above the psychological type of Argentum before the individual shows signs of a clinical disorder. The clinical symptoms of this type involve various neuroses. Argentum Metallicum types often show symptoms of anxiety or hypochondriac neuroses. In these types, there is aversion to talking, aversion or fear of appearing and speaking in public, difficulty or aversion to any thought-related process. It is also recommended in cases where hyperactive thinking and increased control prevent other functions, such as in psycho-sexual disorders or in infertility problems.

·         The Argentum Nitricum types display all the characteristics of the argentum group, with the additional characteristic of the sense of danger. Hence, with regard to consistency, the individuals imagine that there is danger of being inconsistent. This sense of danger makes these individuals excessively consistent. This is why they are so conscientious to their duties, or why they are always in a hurry in order to be punctual.

In phobic disorders such as claustrophobia, agoraphobia or ‘underperformance’ phobia, Argentum Nitricum is often recommended. It has been found that in agoraphobia there exists a fear of exposure to sexual temptation one might succumb to. Underperformance phobia refers to the fear of poor response to high expectations. Both disorders may reasonably be associated with consistency. Such cases frequently show symptoms of panic attacks, typical of the nitric group. This pattern is associated with intense anxiety and fear accompanied by a variety of physical symptoms. There is often fear of insanity, death or of uncontrollable behaviour. Argentum Nitricum is also advisable for stage fright in individuals who feel a sense of danger about how they might express themselves, namely whether they will perform or act their role appropriately.

Argentum Nitricum is also advisable for hypochondriac behaviour. The individuals believe that they are afflicted by an incurable disease. They visit physicians frequently. They are easily consoled, but as soon as they hear that someone is ill they start thinking that they too will be afflicted. They are constantly seeking support from their family for their condition. Sometimes, they reduce their professional activities considerably because they believe that work is harmful to them.

Obsessive-compulsive disorders might also occur in Argentum Nitricum types. The individuals are overwhelmed by impulsions and are afraid they will come true. For example, someone may be overcome by the idea of pushing a friend over the cliff or of sticking their hand in a socket or a fan. Consequently, they put their hand close to the source of danger and obsess over the impulsion “should I do this… should I not…” They might also demonstrate symptoms of depression with suicidal tendency.

Argentum nitricum may also be suitable in cases of sexual dysfunctions in young adolescents that have difficulties in having sex for the first time or that are worried about their performance in the imminent sexual act. Even though they have an erection, they lose it once they try to penetrate. Similarly, girls might experience vaginal dryness. They might also be afraid of being neglected by their partner or feel that they might not satisfy him or that having sex is against their principles.

It is also advisable for adults that are excessively preoccupied with their professional obligations so that they are unable to relax even when they are with their lover, because they are assailed by work-related thoughts and thus lose their erection. Argentum Nitricum, when recommended, helps the individuals to express themselves sexually, reducing excessive self-control and the sense of danger.

Finally, there might be symptoms of general nervous breakdown. The individuals are worn-out and disinclined to work. They demonstrate mental fatigue and laziness. They cannot concentrate and are unable to study.

·         The Argentum Sulphuricum types have a tendency to be consistent coupled with an intense need to be appreciated. However, in this type, the tendency for consistency is excessive.

Argentum Sulphuricum is the most reliable remedy in the homeopathic materia medica. It is suitable for the so called “nerds” who are criticised by others for this attitude. For example, students who never miss a lecture, are diligent and take detailed notes, whilst on the other hand tend to rationalise excessively, they often focus on details and are unable to conceive the big picture. They are excessively rational with limited power of imagination. They study incessantly; they are absorbed by their studies and make sure they are always punctual in their appointments. They always take care to be on time and do everything possible to arrive early to their lectures.

Once, I saw a child who was suffering from insomnia due to his anxiety of not waking up on time for school. Every night he would set two alarm clocks but he was still worried they might not ring so that he would not wake up and would eventually be late at school. He also had another feature, which I have encountered before in Argentum Sulphuricum types. He talked so fast that it was almost impossible for someone to understand what he was saying.

An adult suffering from obsessive-compulsive neurosis, who improved greatly after taking this remedy, in trying to explain why he was talking so fast, told me that he talks like that so that he can fit all that he has to say, as if there was a time limit that would prevent him from completing what he had to say. Naturally, after taking this remedy his style of talking improved along with the rest of his symptoms.

·         The Argentum Muriaticum types are characterised by feelings of easy disappointment and an inner tendency to be consistent. These individuals have been disappointed by the inconsistency of others. It is most suitable to Argentum individuals that have a history of depression and whose deep disappointment is evident in their facial expression.

·         The Argentum Muriaticum Natronatum types have a tendency for consistency and all its consequences, but are also easily disappointed in their love life. In other cases, there is the fear that they will be disappointed by their partner. Consequently, these individuals might mention that they are single because they are afraid of being disappointed or because they are unable to find someone that would be as consistent as they want them to be. They might also mention several occasions where they have been disappointed in the past by the inconsistency of their partner.

·         The Argentum Muriaticum Kalinatum types have similarities with the Argentum Muriaticum Natronatum types except that in the former it is not the love relationship that prevails in their mind but their relationships with family or friends. Consequently, these individuals might mention past disappointments by friends or family, because they were not as consistent as they would want them to be. They might also talk about their fear of being disappointed by friends or family due to their inconsistency.

·         The Argentum Chromicum types demonstrate a pronounced tendency of getting easily hurt. These are particularly consistent individuals that are easily wounded by the actions and the words of others. A comment or a gesture insignificant for ordinary people is capable of hurting the Argentum Chromicum patient. When hurt, they typically do not express it to the others, but silently withdraw. Because they are easily hurt, they are very careful with whom they associate and they are also very careful in their behaviour towards others. When hurt by the social environment they might develop depression or hypochondriac behaviour. In fact, they invariably have a tendency for hypochondriac behaviour.

·         The Argentum Phosphoricum types strive to earn other people’s love through their consistency and also demand consistency from others when expressing their love. It is therefore understandable that the inconsistency of others is perceived by them as indifference. They are very outgoing, with many interests, as well as many friends and acquaintances, love for travelling, and sexually passionate.

·         The Argentum Arsenicosum types tend to be particularly formal so as not to disrupt the trust of others.

·         The Argentum Iodatum types prevent being abandoned by being consistent. When other people are inconsistent they perceive it as abandonment.

·         The Argentum Bromatum types avoid fantasized abuse by being consistent.

The need for creativity and the salts of gold (aurum)

The Midas touch is often used to describe someone that is so creative as to metaphorically turn everything they touch into gold. The underlying scientific truth of this expression is particularly relevant to the aurum salts in homeopathy. The aurum salts are associated with creativity. They are recommended for particularly skilled people. These are visionaries, creative, workaholics. They are happiest when they are creative. They are the winners in the track of noble competition. That is the reason why the gold medal is awarded to those who come first. (Those who come second are awarded the silver medal. This means that society values creativity above consistency).