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It is very important to be aware that you may never be satistied with your analytic career if you feel that you are restricted to what is narrowly called a ‘scientific’ approach. You will have to be able to have a chance of feeling that the interpretation you give is a beautiful one, or that you get a beautiful response from the patient. This aesthetic element of beauty makes a very difficult situation tolerable.
Wilfred Bion
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of aesthetics and beauty in the analytic process rather than strictly adhering to a scientific approach.

In this quote, Wilfred Bion highlights the need for analysts to transcend a rigid scientific mindset and embrace the aesthetic aspects of their work. He suggests that incorporating beauty into interpretations and responses can bring a sense of satisfaction and make challenging situations more bearable. This perspective encourages a more holistic view of the analytic journey, suggesting that emotional and aesthetic experiences are crucial to a fulfilling career in analysis.

Themes

AestheticsBeautyPsychologyInterpretationAnalytical Career

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop on therapeutic practices, to highlight the importance of creativity, one could quote Bion to inspire a more flexible approach.

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