--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In general we are reminded that the word…" description: "\"“In general we are reminded that the word heimlich is not unambiguous, but belongs to two sets of ideas, which, without being contradictory, are yet ve..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f44/sigmund-freud-360_ambiguous_in-general-we-are-reminded-that-the-word_127737.jpg" --- # In general we are reminded that the word heimlich is not… ![“In general we are reminded that the word heimlich is not unambiguous, but belongs to two sets of ideas, which, without being contradictory, are yet very different: on the one hand it means what is familiar and agreeable, and on the other, what is concealed and kept out of sight. Unheimlich is…” quote by Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f44/sigmund-freud-360_ambiguous_in-general-we-are-reminded-that-the-word_127737.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f44/sigmund-freud-360_ambiguous_in-general-we-are-reminded-that-the-word_127737.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f44/sigmund-freud-360_ambiguous_in-general-we-are-reminded-that-the-word_127737.jpg) > ““In general we are reminded that the word heimlich is not unambiguous, but belongs to two sets of ideas, which, without being contradictory, are yet very different: on the one hand it means what is familiar and agreeable, and on the other, what is concealed and kept out of sight. Unheimlich is customarily used, we are told, as the contrary only of the first signification of heimlich, and not of the second. \[...\] On the other hand, we notice that Schelling says something which throws quite a new light on the concept of the Unheimlich, for which we were certainly not prepared. According to him, everything is unheimlich that ought to have remained secret and hidden but has come to light.”” [Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sigmund-freud/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Explains that the term “heimlich” has dual meanings—familiar and hidden—while “unheimlich” refers to the unsettling revealed hidden things. **In simple terms:** Familiar vs. hidden; the uncanny is what should stay hidden. Key Takeaway Recognize how hidden truths become unsettling when exposed. Themes psychology philosophy literature culture Mood thoughtful analytical Type theoretical introspective When to use this quote - art analysis - therapy sessions - cultural criticism Key Concepts the uncanny hidden truths psychic conflict Questions to Reflect On - What modern phenomena feel uncanny today? - How does revealing secrets affect our sense of safety? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on hidden aspects may ignore the familiar comfort. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Secret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secret/) [Shedding light](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shedding-light/) [Taboo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taboo/) [Uncanny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uncanny/) ## Related quotes > [“In telling a story one of the most successful devices for easily creating uncanny effects is to leave the reader in uncertainty whether a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernst-jentsch/in-telling-a-story-one-of-the-most-successful-devices-for-easily/) Ernst Jentsch > [“In a fallen world, it was hard to do unambiguous good.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-keneally/in-a-fallen-world-it-was-hard-to-do-unambiguous-good/) [Thomas Keneally](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-keneally/) > [Let me be unambiguous. 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Unheimlich is customarily used, we are told, as the contrary only of the first signification of heimlich, and not of the second. [...] On the other hand, we notice that Schelling says something which throws quite a new light on the concept of the Unheimlich, for which we were certainly not prepared. 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