Chapter Six: A Lesson in Psychology (Latest Revision)

"The human heart is fragile. When confronted with something terrifying, fear arises. For the timid, even minor shocks can cause their hearts to race and their legs to tremble, rendering them unable to walk. For others, the shock may be so great that they faint, and upon awakening, they are haunted by lingering dread. Some may carry such a burden for life, plagued by it endlessly. Without the proper mindset to correct these responses, it can lead to nervous exhaustion, or even a split mind."

I addressed the gathered students and faculty with ease. I am a part-time lecturer at this university. Though only part-time and hardly a professor in rank, my courses are, without doubt, the most popular here.

Almost every two weeks, I come to give a lecture. Each time, the hall of the psychology department is packed to the brim with students. A few professors I know well often come to listen as well.

It is not that my teaching is especially superior, but rather that my approach is unorthodox. Today’s topic is displayed above the lectern: “How to Overcome Fear?”

“Our science, psychology, exists to understand fear, analyze fear, and thereby find methods to conquer it. For a psychologist, this is the most basic principle.” As I spoke, I noticed some students whispering to one another, and felt reassured—what better way to teach than to spark interest? I addressed the audience: “If anyone has questions, please don’t hesitate. Let’s discuss together.”

A girl in a blue jacket stood and asked, “Could you describe in more detail the causes and manifestations of fear?”

“That’s an excellent question!” I sincerely praised her. “The fear we’re discussing here simply means being afraid. Its causes are many. Some are born timid—afraid of thunder, of rain, of the simplest things. Some become fearful after a sudden fright. Others, influenced by mistaken beliefs since childhood, experience fear when those beliefs are challenged. The first two are common in daily life.” I glanced over the students and continued, “The third is rare, but when it does occur, the resulting fear is overwhelming.”

As I finished, a wave of applause swept through the hall.

“Sir!” a male student called out loudly, “What do you mean by ‘mistaken beliefs’ and how do they cause fear when changed? Could you give us an example?” This earnest young man with glasses looked straight at me. As soon as he finished, many others echoed his question. In an instant, a small issue had captured everyone’s attention. Some professors nearby, seeing the lively exchange so early in the lecture, nodded their approval.

I looked closely at the student and recognized Tang Xin, who attended nearly every one of my lectures and always asked thoughtful questions—so thoughtful, in fact, that even if I explained several times, he would still find new angles to probe.

I gestured for quiet, gathered my thoughts, and replied: “Human beings are curious creatures. Since ancient times, we’ve been influenced by certain mistaken beliefs. For example, when children misbehave, adults often invoke monsters and ghosts to scare them: ‘If you don’t listen, the ghosts will come for you,’ or, ‘Don’t run around at night, or the soul-catcher will come for you.’ Such warnings are common.”

The hall erupted in laughter, followed by a round of applause.

“These ideas take root deep inside us from childhood. Should something external trigger these internalized beliefs, fear arises. For instance, if you’re home alone on a rainy day and a shadow flits past the window, you’ll link it to the ghostly images stored in your mind.” Taking up the chalk, I drew several figures on the blackboard. “Perhaps you imagine a hanged ghost,” I said, pointing to one with a long tongue, “or a headless spirit, the black and white wardens of the underworld, even monsters.” I indicated each drawing in turn. “These are the concepts stored in your mind.”

The audience murmured in agreement, nodding slightly.

“If I lack these beliefs, then I won’t experience fear?” a red-haired foreign student asked in halting Chinese. His question amused the crowd, and all eyes turned to me to see how I would respond.

I smiled faintly. “Not quite.” I pointed to the drawings on the blackboard. “You may not have these Chinese ghosts in your mind, but I’m sure you have ‘vampires.’” I paused, then sketched a few more figures. “Or ‘Satan,’ ‘chainsaw killers,’ ‘cannibals’!” He watched me draw, nodding with a smile. The hall burst into long applause, and even the auditing professors joined in.

I continued: “A successful psychologist must uncover the patient’s root cause and treat it accordingly for effective healing.” Noticing Tang Xin still hesitant to speak, I addressed him directly: “Tang Xin, do you have another question?”

All eyes turned to him. His cheeks flushed as he said, “Your examples were vivid and impressive, but how do we distinguish which childhood beliefs are mistaken?” His face was earnest with curiosity, and the audience looked to me for an answer.

I admired Tang Xin’s attention to detail and unique insight. Sitting down, I took a sip of water and explained: “Whether in China or abroad, from newspapers to films, we’re exposed from a young age to the same error: all ghosts, or as Westerners call them, spirits, are evil and mean harm. If you believe ghosts are dangerous, you’ll naturally fear them. When confronted with inexplicable supernatural phenomena, the mind connects them to ghosts and fear takes hold.”

Seeing the crowd nod in understanding, I went on: “Once fear arises, the heart is seized by dread. This so-called ‘fear psychology’ is a state where, in the presence of real or imagined danger, individuals or groups feel an intense and oppressive emotional state. Its symptoms include heightened nerves, overwhelming anxiety, inability to focus, blankness of mind, poor judgment, and loss of self-control—leading to impulsivity.” I summarized, “To conquer fear, one must face it.”

“Sir!” a familiar girl’s voice called from the crowd, “Are you an atheist? Since you say people are influenced by mistaken beliefs, do you, sir, believe ghosts exist?”

Her question caused an instant stir among the audience.

I glanced at her and cursed inwardly. Wang Tingting, that troublesome soul, had followed me here from the police station, her grievances unending.

It seemed she was intentionally trying to challenge me with her question. The crowd, always respectful towards me, now watched with interest to see how I would respond to this bold challenge. All eyes were upon us.