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I am old enough to remember what it was like when the…

“I am old enough to remember what it was like when the theories of Freud first escaped from the study and the clinic, and the great game of Hunt-the Complex began, to the entertainment and alarm of a war-shattered and disillusioned world.” quote by Mary Butts
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“I am old enough to remember what it was like when the theories of Freud first escaped from the study and the clinic, and the great game of Hunt-the Complex began, to the entertainment and alarm of a war-shattered and disillusioned world.”

Mary Butts

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reflects on how early psychoanalytic ideas entered popular culture, sparking both fascination and fear in a post‑war society.

In simple terms: Freud’s theories spread, mixing curiosity with anxiety.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how new ideas can both excite and unsettle.

Themes

culture psychoanalysis history culture war public perception

Mood

reflective nostalgic critical

Type

historical analytical commentary

When to use this quote

  • post‑war intellectual circles
  • media commentary
  • academic discussions
  • public debates

Key Concepts

Freudian theory social impact intellectual curiosity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do new scientific theories change societal attitudes?
  • What role does historical context play in shaping reception?
A Different Perspective

The quote may overstate the uniformity of public reaction; not all audiences responded similarly.

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