I was just reviewed by Robert Gottlieb, who was my editor…
“I was just reviewed by Robert Gottlieb, who was my editor at 'The New Yorker,' and he sort of wondered at the fact that I still need to exorcise my parents at my age. I think he makes a basic mistake in thinking that exorcism can ever be total. The exorcism of your parents will still be occurring on your own deathbed.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
We never fully escape our parents' influence; it persists throughout life and even at death.
In simple terms: Parental influence endures.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and work with lingering parental impacts.
Themes
family
psychology
growth
legacy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- family gatherings
- career decisions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
attachment theory
intergenerational trauma
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize lingering parental expectations?
- What steps can you take to transform them?
A Different Perspective
Complete freedom from parental influence is unrealistic; some patterns may be deeply ingrained.