The Good Life: Psychoanalytic Reflection On Love, Ethics, Creativity, And Spirituality

by Rubin, Jeffrey B.

• ISBN13: 9780791462164
• ISBN10: 0791462161
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-09-01
• Publisher: STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK PRESS

Summary

Psychoanalysts have traditionally been expert at uncovering what afflicts and damages people, argues Jeffrey B. Rubin, but by focusing on narcissism and perversions, depression and sadism, psychoanalysis has all too often disregarded what nourishes and sustains us. In The Good Life, he demonstrates how psychoanalysis can make a profound contribution to the well-lived life by drawing on a neglected but potent aspect of psychoanalysis--its capacity to illuminate a psychology of health as well as illness. Rubin shows that, at its best, psychoanalysis can highlight both the ingredients of love, ethics, creativity, and spirituality, as well as the obstacles to experiencing them. Exploring the good life from this dual perspective provides an indispensable resource for helping us live with greater meaning and vitality.

Table of Contents

PREFACE	ix
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	xi
INTRODUCTION	1	(8)
1. PSYCHOANALYSIS AND CREATIVE LIVING	9	(16)
2. VALUES AND ETHICS IN PSYCHOANALYSIS	25	(20)
3. PSYCHOANALYSIS AT PLAY IN THE GARDEN OF LOVE	45	(16)
4. THERE'S MORE THAN MEETS THE I: PSYCHOANALYTIC REFLECTIONS ON SPIRITUALITY	61	(26)
5. PSYCHOANALYSIS AND THE GOOD LIFE	87	(12)
NOTES	99	(12)
BIBLIOGRAPHY	111	(12)
INDEX	123