Arms Quote by James Hillman
“The psyche is highly flammable material. So we are always wrapping things in asbestos, keeping our images and fantasies at arm's length because they are so full of love”
About This Quote
Source Book: Re-visioning Psychology, James Hillman, 1995
Human imagination and emotions are volatile, so we protect ourselves by keeping deep feelings at a distance, using defenses like metaphorical asbestos.
In simple terms: Our minds are fragile, so we shield them.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and gently explore suppressed feelings.
Themes
psychology
defense
vulnerability
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
therapeutic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- creative writing
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
archetype
shadow work
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions are you keeping at arm's length?
- How can we safely engage with intense inner material?
A Different Perspective
Overprotection can prevent authentic connection and healing.
![“The first way has been excellently presented by David Holt in his lecture on “Jung and Marx.” [1] There Holt shows that Jung imagined his work to be theoretically and historically substantiated by alchemy, and that Jung spent a” quote by James Hillman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/431/james-hillman-2336_alchemy_the-first-way-has-been-excellently-prese_153323.jpg)
