[...] this observing self often kills and withers anything…
![“[...] this observing self often kills and withers anything that is under its scrutiny. The individual has now a persecuting observer in the very core of his being. It may be that the child becomes possessed by the alien and destructive presence of the observer who has turned bad in his absence…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/820/r-d-laing-4-155404_child-psychology_this-observing-self-often-kills-and-with_1378915.jpg)
““[...] this observing self often kills and withers anything that is under its scrutiny. The individual has now a persecuting observer in the very core of his being. It may be that the child becomes possessed by the alien and destructive presence of the observer who has turned bad in his absence, occupying the place of the observing self, of the boy himself outside the mirror. If this happens, he retains his awareness of himself as an object in the eyes of another by observing himself as the other: he lends the other his eyes in order that he may continue to be seen; he then becomes an object in his own eyes. But the part of himself who looks into him and sees him, has developed the persecutory features he has come to feel the real person outside him to have. [Self-consciousness, Freyd]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The internal observer can become hostile, turning self-awareness into self-criticism and alienation.
In simple terms: Self‑watching can become self‑destruction.
Key Takeaway
Guard against harsh self‑judgment.
Themes
self‑consciousness
identity
psychology
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
- creative work
- social interaction
Key Concepts
observer effect
persecution
objectification
Questions to Reflect On
- How does you view yourself versus how others see you?
- Can you separate observation from judgment?
A Different Perspective
Self‑criticism can also motivate growth if balanced.