Complexes Quote by Ernest Becker
“We might say that psychoanalysis revealed to us the complex penalties of denying the truth of man's condition, what we might call the costs of pretending not to be mad.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker, 1973
Denial of humanity’s true condition leads to psychological costs, creating a false sense of sanity that harms us.
In simple terms: Pretending we’re fine when we’re not causes hidden damage.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge reality to reduce self‑deception.
Themes
psychology
existentialism
self‑deception
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
- leadership decisions
Key Concepts
denial
truth
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How does confronting uncomfortable truths affect your wellbeing?
- What costs have you noticed from self‑deception?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring truth can worsen mental strain and hinder growth.
![“If the partner becomes God he can just as easily become the Devil; the reason is not far to seek. For one thing, one becomes bound to the object in dependency. One needs it for self-justification. . . . [O]ne's self-development is restricted by the object, absorbed by it. It is too narrow a…” quote by Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bca/ernest-becker-7036_lose-yourself_if-the-partner-becomes-god-he-can-just-a_336762.jpg)
