And through the spaces of the dark Midnight shakes the memory As a madman shakes a dead geranium.
T. S. EliotRead
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.
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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