Answers Quote by Peter Medawar
“Freudian psychoanalytical theory is a mythology that answers pretty well to Levi-Strauss's descriptions. It brings some kind of order into incoherence; it, too, hangs together, makes sense, leaves no loose ends, and is never (but never) at a loss for explanation. In a state of bewilderment it may therefore bring comfort and relief… give its subject a new and deeper understanding of his own condition and of the nature of his relationship to his fellow men. A mythical structure will be built up around him which makes sense and is believable-in, regardless of whether or not it is true.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of the Immunologist, Peter Medawar, 1967
Freudian psychoanalysis offers a narrative that organizes chaotic experiences into a coherent story, providing comfort and a sense of understanding, even if the story may not be factually true.
In simple terms: Freud gives order to chaos, soothing the mind.
Key Takeaway
Use narratives to make sense of confusion.
Themes
psychology
mythology
comfort
understanding
narrative
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- personal reflection
- academic critique
- public discourse
Key Concepts
psychoanalysis
mythic framing
cognitive schema
Questions to Reflect On
- Does comforting narrative outweigh factual accuracy?
- How can we balance story with science?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on mythic narratives can obscure empirical truth.
![“[A certain class of explanations in science are] analgesics that dull the ache of incomprehension without removing the cause.” quote by Peter Medawar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbb/peter-medawar-9996_ache_a-certain-class-of-explanations-in-scien_299816.jpg)
