Philip K. Dick
Quote
Masochism is more widespread than we realize because it takes an attenuated form. The basic dynamism is as follows: a human being sees something bad which is coming as inevitable. There is no way he can halt the process; he is helpess. This sense of helplessness generates a need to gain some control over the impending pain -- any kind of control will do. This makes sense; the subjective feeling of helplessness is more painful than the impending misery. So the person seizes control over the situation in the only way open to him: he connives to bring on the impending misery; he hastens it. This activity on his part promotes the false impression that he enjoys pain. Not so. It is simply that he cannot any longer endure the helplessness or the supposed helplessness. But in the process of gaining control over the inevitable misery he becomes, automatically, anhedonic. Anhedonia sets in stealthily. Over the years it takes control of him. For example, he learns to defer gratification; this is a step in the dismal process of anhedonia. In learning to defer he gratification he experiences a sense of self-mastery; he has become stoic, disciplined; he does not give way to impulse. He has "control". Control over himself in terms of his impulses and control over the external situation. He is a controlled and controlling person. Pretty soon he has branched out and is controlling other people, as part of the situation. He becomes a manipulator. Of course, he is not conciousily aware of this; all he intends to do is lessen his own sense of impotence. But in his task of lessening this sense, he insidiously overpowers the freedom of others. Yet, he dervies no pleasure from this, no positive psychological gain; all his gains are essential negative.
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| Answer | Clues |
|---|---|
| PHILOSOPHY | 31 clues |
| DEMOCRACY | 11 clues |
| EXISTENTIALISM | 9 clues |
| LIBERALISM | 4 clues |
| SEXUALITY | 2 clues |
Similar crossword clues
- Genre for Philip K. Dick 72.22%
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- Common Philip K. Dick theme 66.67%
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- Like Mr. Dick 64.00%
- Dick Dick 63.64%
- Philip Marlowe's drink 62.86%
- Philip in "China Sky" 62.50%
- Philip Roth book 62.07%
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- Philip II, e.g. 61.54%
- Philip VI, e.g. 61.54%
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- CLARK, DICK 60.87%
- Philip of "Kung Fu" 60.00%
- Philip II's force 60.00%
- PHILIP, kingdom of 60.00%
- PHILIP II, wife of 60.00%
- Philip Roth title 60.00%
Related word tools
Often perfumed powder
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Hint 1 meaning
A soft mineral of a soapy feel and a greenish, whitish, or
grayish color, usually occurring in foliated masses. It is hydrous
silicate of magnesia. Steatite, or soapstone, is a compact granular
variety.
Hint 2 anagram
ACLT
Hint 3 another clue
BABY DOCTOR FOR SHORT
12 +1