Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.
Alfred AdlerRead
In the investigation of a neurotic style of life, we must always suspect an opponent, and note who suffers most because of the patient's condition. Usually this is a member of the family.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the impact of an individual's neurosis on their family members, suggesting that those closest often bear the burden.
Alfred Adler emphasizes that when examining the neurotic behaviors of an individual, it is crucial to recognize the effects those behaviors have on others, particularly family members. Often, it is the family who endures the most significant suffering due to the patient's condition, indicating a complex relational dynamic where one's personal issues can lead to collective pain and dysfunction.
Themes
NeurosisFamilySufferingPsychologyRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a family therapy session to discuss the impacts of one member's mental health on the entire family.
More from Alfred Adler
All quotes →War is not the continuation of politics with different means, it is the greatest mass-crime perpetrated on the community of man.
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Every individual acts and suffers in accordance with his peculiar teleology, which has all the inevitability of fate, so long as he does not understand it.
Alfred AdlerRead
The science of the mind can only have for its proper goal the understanding of human nature by every human being, and through its use, brings peace to every human soul.
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All failures - neurotics, psychotics, criminals, drunkards, problem children, suicides, perverts, and prostitutes - are failures because they are lacking in social interest
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What do you first do when you learn to swim? You make mistakes, do you not? And what happens? You make other mistakes, and when you have made all the mistakes you possibly can without drowning - and some of them many times over - what do you find? That you can swim? Well - life is just the same as learning to swim! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, for there is no other way of learning how to live!
Alfred AdlerRead
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