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Freud Quote by Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini

“By what psychoanalyst friends tell me, in the field of the emotional subconscious, the emotional resistances to be overcome are no longer the ones most people felt in Freud's [..] day. The moralizing respectability and the fear of sex evidenced in Freud's day no longer exist. I am told that…” quote by Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini
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““By what psychoanalyst friends tell me, in the field of the emotional subconscious, the emotional resistances to be overcome are no longer the ones most people felt in Freud's [..] day. The moralizing respectability and the fear of sex evidenced in Freud's day no longer exist. I am told that today's resistances come in the form of summary, seemingly pitiless and unrelenting "wild" self-analyses offered up by those who claim to have understood "everything" about themselves.””

Massimo Piattelli-Palmarini

About This Quote

Source Essay: Contemporary Psychoanalysis, 2020

Modern resistances arise from self‑analysis and over‑intellectualization rather than Freud’s moral constraints.

In simple terms: Today’s inner blocks are self‑critical, not moral.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and balance self‑analysis with humility.

Themes

psychology self‑knowledge modernity

Mood

introspective critical

Type

analysis psychology philosophy

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • personal reflection
  • academic seminars
  • self‑help practice
  • mindfulness training

Key Concepts

Freudian theory resistance self‑analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does self‑analysis become a barrier?
  • Can humility restore balance?
A Different Perspective

Over‑analysis can paralyze growth.

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