What cannot be talked about cannot be put to rest. And if it is not, the wounds will fester from generation to generation.
Bruno BettelheimRead
The unrealistic nature of these tales (which narrowminded rationalists object to) is an important device, because it makes obvious that the fairy tales’ concern is not useful information about the external world, but the inner process taking place in an individual.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fairy tales serve to reflect the inner psychological experiences of individuals rather than convey factual information about reality.
Bruno Bettelheim argues that the fantastical elements of fairy tales, which may not align with rational or scientific thinking, are purposeful. They highlight the transformative internal journeys and emotional struggles of individuals. These stories invite readers to explore their subconscious and inner lives, rather than focus solely on the external world and its realities.
Themes
Fairy TalesInner JourneyPsychologyNarrativeSelf-Discovery
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the importance of storytelling in psychological development, this quote illustrates how narratives shape individuals' understanding of themselves.
More from Bruno Bettelheim
All quotes →Raising children is a creative endeavor, an art rather than a science.
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The delight we experience when we allow ourselves to respond to a fairy tale, the enchantment we feel, comes not from the psychological meaning of the tale (although this contributes to it) but from its literary qualities-the tale itself as a work of art.
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The fear of failure is so great, it is no wonder that the desire to do right by one's children has led to a whole library of books offering advice on how to raise them
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Punishment may make us obey the orders we are given, but at best it will only teach an obedience to authority, not a self-control which enhances our self-respect.
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Not only is our love for our children sometimes tinged with annoyance, discouragement, and disappointment, the same is true for the love our children feel for us.
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