Too much possibility is the attempt by the person to…
““Too much possibility is the attempt by the person to overvalue the powers of the symbolic self. It reflects the attempt to exaggerate one half of the human dualism at the expense of the other. In this sense, what we call schizophrenia is an attempt by the symbolic self to deny the limitations of the finite body; in doing so, the entire person is pulled off balance and destroyed. It is as though the freedom of creativity that stems from within the symbolic self cannot be contained by the body, and the person is torn apart. This is how we understand schizophrenia today, as the split of self and body, a split in which the self is unanchored, unlimited, not bound enough to everyday Things, not contained enough in dependable physical behavior.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Overvaluing the symbolic self creates a split from the physical body, leading to mental imbalance and potential schizophrenia.
In simple terms: Excessive self‑importance separates mind from body, causing distress.
Key Takeaway
Balance symbolic aspirations with bodily reality.
Themes
psychology
mental health
identity
balance
Mood
concerned
analytical
hopeful
Type
clinical
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- self‑reflection
- creative work
- stress management
Key Concepts
symbolic self
dualism
schizophrenia
self‑limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor symbolic creativity without losing grounding?
- What practices keep mind and body integrated?
A Different Perspective
Risk of oversimplifying complex mental health conditions.