Depression Quote by Robert Kegan
““Depression characterized by the 'threat-to' orientation lodges itself in one side of the proposition. Doing so does not eliminate doubt, it only places it in the world. The world has become doubtful; what I doubt is my capacity to continue living in such a world. I doubt whether I can make it given how things are. I experience a kind of shrinking, or diminution of my self; but what remains clear - what I am most wanting to hold clear - is who it is that is doing the doubting, who 'I' am. As it seems to 'me,' what 'I' doubt is whether, in the face of the way the world has become, 'I' can keep myself together, my self together. From the point of view of our paradigm, that which 'I' say means: I doubt whether I can keep it together, this balance. What is being doubted, really, from our point of view, is the capacity to continue knowing, which, phenomenologically, from the view of the self, entails the capacity to continue being.””
About This Quote
Source Book: In Over Our Heads, Robert Kegan, 1994
The speaker doubts their capacity to persist in a doubtful world, yet identifies the doubting self as the core of identity
In simple terms: Doubt about living in a harsh world, but the doubting self defines who we are
Key Takeaway
Accept doubt as part of self‑knowledge and keep striving for coherence
Themes
psychology
identity
existentialism
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- life transitions
- creative projects
- stressful work environments
Key Concepts
self‑concept
resilience
meaning‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the doubting self reveal about your values?
- How can you transform doubt into constructive self‑reflection?
A Different Perspective
Doubt can paralyze action if not addressed
