Children Quote by Judith Viorst
““Indeed, analyst Robert Bak calls orgasm "the perfect promise between love and death," the means by which we repatriate separation of mother and child through the momentary extinction of the self. It is true that few of us consciously climb into a lover's bed in the hope of finding our mommy between the sheets. But the sexual loss of our separateness (which may scare people so badly they cannot have orgasm) brings us pleasure, in part, because it unconsciously repeats our first connection.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mother of All Questions by Judith Viorst, 1995
The quote suggests that orgasm mimics the deep, primal bond between mother and child, offering a fleeting sense of self‑loss that mirrors early attachment and can be both alluring and frightening.
In simple terms: Orgasm mirrors mother‑child bond, giving a brief loss of self.
Key Takeaway
Embrace intimacy that dissolves ego.
Themes
psychology
sexuality
attachment
transcendence
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
psychological
sexual
When to use this quote
- therapeutic intimacy
- marital counseling
- personal growth
- mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
psychoanalytic theory
attachment theory
ego dissolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this perspective change your view of intimacy?
- Can loss of self be healthy in relationships?
A Different Perspective
Some may view this view as overly romanticizing sexual experience, ignoring biological and relational complexities.
