Normality: Balancing Adaptation and Personal Integrity
The definition of the concept of "normality" turns out not to be unequivocal at all, as there are no clear criteria. For example, one of the authors writes, "There are no true criteria for normality; the most reliable is adaptability, but adaptability is a very complex concept because one can see adaptability in being exactly like everyone else, yet one can also see it in the opposite, in having enough personal, objective judgment to stand up to everyone – but with some regularity: not just lashing out randomly, but making judgments and acting accordingly." (source: link txt). Thus, the concept of normality can be considered as the ability of a person to maintain their individuality and personal, objective judgment while simultaneously adapting to the surrounding reality, rather than simply following accepted norms.As for the ways to achieve this state, the text hints at the necessity of developing a stable system of personal principles and the ability to consciously make decisions. Considering another perspective, one source notes, "Normality is sanctity. The Gospel states how a normal person should live." (source: link txt). Here, normality is understood not only as adhering to social standards, but also as striving for certain moral or spiritual goals, which implies working on oneself, cleansing from excessive passions, and committing to established commandments. A further step in this direction may be the process of inner reflection aimed at eradicating destructive traits, as indicated in the following excerpt: "Then He teaches us how, by means of the holy commandments, to purify ourselves from even the strongest passions so as not to fall into the same sins again." (source: link txt).Thus, approaches to defining normality may include:1. Perceiving normality as the ability to adapt while maintaining one's own judgment and independence.2. Striving to realize a set of personal and possibly spiritual principles, where normality is defined through moral improvement and cleansing from excessive passions.These two directions do not exclude each other, but rather complement one another, indicating the necessary combination of objective adaptability and personal, purposeful development. To achieve such a state, it is important to work on one’s convictions and actions, forming a stable system of values and the practical ability to uphold one's position in various life situations.