Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
lorenzobc's review against another edition
4.0
I am trying to get back into psychoanalysis because I get a lot out of it. There is something about psychoanalysis and the narratives it promotes that is very persuasive to people, probably because it taps into subconscious archetypes we project onto society at large. This book in particular is also a great argument against status-obsessed and ambitious over-achievers. Specifically it identifies them as neurotic, and delves deeply into the kind of neurosis and self-deception involved.
dirknbr's review against another edition
4.0
This is a well written book by this German-American psychoanalyst. Although English wasn’t her native, she has a good way of writing. The original edition was from 1950.
Horney develops her own triad of “neurotic personalities”: the expansive (aggressive-vindictive, arrogant), the self-effacing (saint) and the resigned. All neurotics are focused on their idealised self and use their pride and shoulds to maintain this false self. It seems to stem from some early injury, and they resort to this neurotic solution. They mis-spend their energy to fight a futile battle of self-idealisation.
I agree with the point that too much self focus, even if not narcissistic, is pathological.
In some parts of the book I recognised some of my own neurotic traits, but then I also thought that maybe no one is a pure type, or only the severe cases. I could see strands of two types in myself. Maybe we are all mixtures of the three types.
The resigned type is an interesting one, as it correlates with the teaching of mindful and detached religiosity.
Horney manifests the narcissistic type within neurosis, I previously thought narcissists as distinct from neurotics, closer to psychotics.
I was hoping for a bit of information on the actual growth part, however, she spends almost the whole book on pathology.
I am left with one conundrum from reading, is almost all human striving neurotic? If neurosis makes us perfectionist, does that not help us to succeed in a competitive society? Horney is more silent on the social drivers of neurosis.
Do we enforce neurotic types in society if we applaud individuals for their self-less or self-aggrandizing endeavours?
Horney develops her own triad of “neurotic personalities”: the expansive (aggressive-vindictive, arrogant), the self-effacing (saint) and the resigned. All neurotics are focused on their idealised self and use their pride and shoulds to maintain this false self. It seems to stem from some early injury, and they resort to this neurotic solution. They mis-spend their energy to fight a futile battle of self-idealisation.
I agree with the point that too much self focus, even if not narcissistic, is pathological.
In some parts of the book I recognised some of my own neurotic traits, but then I also thought that maybe no one is a pure type, or only the severe cases. I could see strands of two types in myself. Maybe we are all mixtures of the three types.
The resigned type is an interesting one, as it correlates with the teaching of mindful and detached religiosity.
Horney manifests the narcissistic type within neurosis, I previously thought narcissists as distinct from neurotics, closer to psychotics.
I was hoping for a bit of information on the actual growth part, however, she spends almost the whole book on pathology.
I am left with one conundrum from reading, is almost all human striving neurotic? If neurosis makes us perfectionist, does that not help us to succeed in a competitive society? Horney is more silent on the social drivers of neurosis.
Do we enforce neurotic types in society if we applaud individuals for their self-less or self-aggrandizing endeavours?
zachgreeeeeeen's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to most of this during my vacation because I love fun and relaxation.
fate____meh's review against another edition
4.0
شاید از کتاب رو ترجمهشده نمیخوندم نمرهم بهش ۵ بود. ترجمهی کتاب در واقع ترجمه نیست. مترجم برداشت خودش از صحبتهای نویسنده رو منتشر کرده، یه سری جاهای خیلی جالب و مثالهای جالب کتاب در ترجمه حذف شده. بخش آخر کتاب هم همینطور.
vikramx's review against another edition
5.0
German Psychiatrist Dr Karen Horney was part of the splinter group of Neo-Freudians which includes Swedish Psychoanalyst Erich Fromm , Alfred Adler etc. . Karen’s analytic theories and diagnosis revolve primarily around the average neurotic Joe (Jane) going about their daily routine as they struggle with their inner conflicts through various phases of life
While I am quite familiar with psychoanalytic theories from Freud to Lacan and it’s easy to get drawn into dark morbid recesses of the human psyche ; Karen brings to light a different aspect , something that does not get enough attention since on the surface as the “patient” may appear to be functioning “normally” . She holds Freud in high regard yet makes no qualms about her disagreement with him.
Considering this must have been written during the early 20 Century – was quite surprised how relevant it still is, the subject matter is quite comprehensive and very insightful , can get a bit repetitive at times .
While I am quite familiar with psychoanalytic theories from Freud to Lacan and it’s easy to get drawn into dark morbid recesses of the human psyche ; Karen brings to light a different aspect , something that does not get enough attention since on the surface as the “patient” may appear to be functioning “normally” . She holds Freud in high regard yet makes no qualms about her disagreement with him.
Considering this must have been written during the early 20 Century – was quite surprised how relevant it still is, the subject matter is quite comprehensive and very insightful , can get a bit repetitive at times .
anotherpath's review against another edition
4.0
Never has a book so thoroughly convinced me that I should be living in my car in some town in Mexico, looking to get shot by the cartel.
Early in the work Horney classifies three distinct ways Neurotic behavior tends to manifest in people, and that they each can tend to appear to a degree in a single neurotic, and then she describes the different modes of being that I feel I've ever possessed. It was disheartening, and I wrestled with this book intellectually, spiritually and personally. I had to stop and let it go at times.
Early in the work Horney classifies three distinct ways Neurotic behavior tends to manifest in people, and that they each can tend to appear to a degree in a single neurotic, and then she describes the different modes of being that I feel I've ever possessed. It was disheartening, and I wrestled with this book intellectually, spiritually and personally. I had to stop and let it go at times.
cl1ch3's review against another edition
4.0
The author does a good job of blending real life experience as an analyst, psychological theory, and the thought processes of neurotics.
The author also connects principles described in the book with characters from literary fiction, once again showing that she knows what she is talking about, and has spent a great deal of time thinking about neurosis.
As one might expect, the read can be a little difficult or even dull for people outside of the field of psychology, but the book delivers what it promises.
The author also connects principles described in the book with characters from literary fiction, once again showing that she knows what she is talking about, and has spent a great deal of time thinking about neurosis.
As one might expect, the read can be a little difficult or even dull for people outside of the field of psychology, but the book delivers what it promises.