DIVERGENT SAGA

The Divergent, Insurgent, and Allegiant series, written by Veronica Roth, explore a dystopian society divided into factions that represent different values ​​and human characteristics, such as bravery, honesty, intelligence, peace, and self-sufficiency. These themes can be deeply related to human nature and to various philosophical theories, social psychologies, and concepts of power, including Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Robert Greene's ideas in the 48 Laws of Power. Let's analyze how these connections can be made:

1. Human Nature and Philosophy

The society described in Divergent is built on a system that seeks to classify and control human characteristics. Each faction represents a value or virtue, which refers to the idea that human nature is complex and multifaceted, but can also be categorized. This can be related to several philosophical theories:

Plato and the Ideal Forms: Plato defended the idea that the sensible world (as we see it) is merely an imperfect copy of the world of ideal and pure Forms. The society in Divergent also tries to seek a purity of virtues, but with complicated consequences when individuals do not fit neatly into factions.

Jean-Paul Sartre and Existentialism: The idea that human beings define themselves through their choices can be seen in Divergent. Beatrice "Tris" Prior, for example, refuses to be defined by a single faction and chooses to defy social expectations, which resonates with existential freedom and the anguish of constructing one's own identity.

Thomas Hobbes and the Social Contract: Hobbes believed that human beings, in their natural state, are selfish and chaotic, which makes a strong government necessary. In the context of the series, the factions try to avoid chaos, but the system itself generates inequality and oppression, raising questions about the true nature of social order.

2. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

NLP deals with the relationship between language, thought patterns and behaviors. The Divergent series can be viewed through the lens of NLP in several ways:

Changing Beliefs and Mental Patterns: NLP teaches that it is possible to reprogram limiting beliefs and behavior patterns. Tris goes through several phases of self-discovery and transformation, often overcoming the limits that society imposes on her. This is exemplified when she challenges herself to enter risky situations during initiation tests, confronting fears and learning to reprogram her emotional and behavioral responses.

Anchoring: In NLP, anchoring is a process by which a stimulus (visual, auditory or tactile) is associated with a specific emotional state. In Divergent, the mental simulation technology used to test candidates in the factions can be seen as a form of psychological anchoring, where a person’s fears and insecurities are manipulated to control them.

Rapport and Social Influence: An important aspect of NLP is building rapport with others to influence behavior. Tris, in her interactions with Tobias (Four) and others, uses rapport strategies to gain trust and support. Manipulating social perception is a vital skill, especially in the context of factions where alliances are essential for survival.

3. Robert Greene and the 48 Laws of Power

Robert Greene’s ideas on power can be directly applied to the plot and power dynamics in Divergent:

Law 1: Never upstage the master: In Divergent, the leadership of the Abnegation faction (where Tris grows up) is a reflection of a subtle power, based on modesty and sacrifice. However, when Tris challenges this norm by revealing her divergence, she puts the established power structure at risk, something that can be interpreted as a violation of this law.

Law 3: Hide your intentions: The concept of "divergent" in the series is a metaphor for the control of internal intentions, which are impossible to be manipulated or predicted by the rulers. Divergence is a secret that Tris must hide in order to survive in a system that tries to eliminate individuality. This connects directly with the idea of ​​hiding what one really thinks or desires in order to guarantee power and survival.

Law 15: Crush the enemy completely: In the series, the fight against the faction system and authoritarian forces requires drastic strategies, as we see in the resistance's attempts to destroy the system. Rival factions and political manipulations demonstrate the need to act with absolute power to ensure victory, leaving no room for traitors or uncertainty.

Law 33: Discover your enemies’ weaknesses: Manipulating the human mind through simulations and emotional control is a central power skill in the plot. Discovering weaknesses in fear simulations allows Tris to overcome obstacles in order to exploit vulnerabilities in her adversaries or the system.

Law 48: Embrace fluidity: The need for adaptation and flexibility in situations of power is also a central theme. Tris, on her journey, learns to be flexible in her approaches, adapting to both factions and the system of government and her own beliefs. This reflects the idea that power is not absolute, but must be fluid in order to survive unexpected changes.

Conclusion

The Divergent series can be seen as a deep exploration of questions about human nature, identity and power. Philosophy, NLP and Robert Greene’s laws of power offer powerful lenses for understanding the characters’ internal conflicts, social dynamics and power plays between factions. Tris, by defying the rules and evolving on her journey, reflects the struggle between conformity and freedom, between social control and self-expression, central topics in the philosophical and psychological ideas that permeate the series.