Men and women Quote by Joshua Loth Liebman
““Religion must now recognize that our deep antisocial impulses when denied and repressed do not disappear miraculously from reality; the more we treat them like criminals, the more vengeance they take against us. Adults who strive for total repression of their impulses in the realm of imagination wreak havoc either on their bodies or their spirits. The religion of the future should take a page from the notebook of the psychotherapist, encouraging men to tolerate their unacceptable impulses, to sublimate them, and at the same time to discipline themselves to a finer and more generous program of action. It must strengthen mature men and women to realize that everyone has desires and fantasies antisocial in nature. Only when their presence is acknowledged rather than repressed can they be prevented from exercising dominion over us in the realm of action.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Healthy Personality, Joshua Loth Liebman, 1946
Suppressing unacceptable impulses leads to hidden aggression; acknowledging and channeling them reduces harm and promotes healthier behavior.
In simple terms: Unacknowledged urges cause damage; acceptance and sublimation help.
Key Takeaway
Accept and transform impulses rather than deny them.
Themes
psychology
religion
self‑control
maturity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal development workshops
- conflict resolution
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Freudian theory
cognitive dissonance
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies foster healthy expression of dark impulses?
- What practices help individuals sublimate harmful urges?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring impulses can still cause subconscious damage; balance is needed.
