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Belief Quote by Gilles Deleuze

“Psychoanalysis was from the start, still is, and perhaps always will be a well-constituted church and a form of treatment based on a set of beliefs that only the very faithful could adhere to, i.e., those who believe in a security that amounts to being lost in the herd and defined in terms of…” quote by Gilles Deleuze
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“Psychoanalysis was from the start, still is, and perhaps always will be a well-constituted church and a form of treatment based on a set of beliefs that only the very faithful could adhere to, i.e., those who believe in a security that amounts to being lost in the herd and defined in terms of common and external goals”

Gilles Deleuze

About This Quote

Source Book: Anti-Oedipus by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, 1972

Psychoanalysis functions like a religion, upheld by believers who accept its doctrines as a safe, collective identity.

In simple terms: Psychoanalysis is treated as a faith by its followers.

Key Takeaway

Question its assumptions and seek alternative perspectives.

Themes

psychology religion authority belief collectivism

Mood

critical skeptical analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • academic study
  • personal therapy
  • group counseling

Key Concepts

psychoanalytic theory social conformity institutional power

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would happen if psychoanalysis were approached as a flexible framework?
  • How does belief in a collective identity limit personal growth?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook individual variance and suppress dissenting ideas.

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