Body Quote by Alexander Lowen
““We must realize that we are all, like Dr. Faust, ready to accept the devil's inducements. The devil is in each one of us in the form of an ego that promises the fulfillment of desire on condition that we become subservient to its striving to dominate. The domination of the personality by the ego is a diabolical perversion of the nature of man. The ego was never intended to be the master of the body, but its loyal and obedient servant. The body, as opposed to the ego, desires pleasure, not power. Bodily pleasure is the source from which all our good feelings and good thinking stems. If the bodily pleasure of an individual is destroyed, he becomes an angry, frustrated, and hateful person. His thinking becomes distorted, and his creative potential is lost. He develops self-destructive attitudes.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Language of the Body by Alexander Lowen, 1974
The ego, seeking power, can dominate our true nature, turning us into destructive beings when bodily pleasure is suppressed.
In simple terms: Ego’s hunger for power harms us when we lose pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Balance ego with bodily pleasure.
Themes
psychology
ego
destruction
pleasure
balance
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
therapeutic
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- therapy
- stress management
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
Freudian theory
humanistic psychology
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize ego‑driven urges?
- What practices restore bodily pleasure?
A Different Perspective
Ego can be resisted through conscious self‑care and community support.
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