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"Un hombre no debe esforzarse por eliminar sus complejos sino por estar en armonía con ellos, son legítimamente lo que dirige su conducta en el mundo."

Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud Neurologist
Translations
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Quote meaning
Think about this: we all have quirks and inner conflicts. Some people call them "complexes." Instead of trying to squash them, what if we embraced them? That's what this quote is getting at. Embrace your weirdness, your fears, your insecurities—because they shape who you are and how you act.

This idea comes from a psychological perspective. It's saying that your internal struggles and unique personality traits shouldn't be seen as flaws to be fixed. Instead, they are part of your identity and can guide you in meaningful ways. Historically, this concept has roots in the work of psychologists like Carl Jung, who believed that our unconscious mind plays a crucial role in our behavior. Rather than battling these inner elements, Jung suggested that we should understand and integrate them.

Imagine you're an artist who always feels a little anxious in social situations. Rather than trying to completely get rid of that anxiety, you could recognize it as part of what makes you sensitive and introspective—qualities that might make your art more profound and relatable. So, instead of seeing your anxiety as an enemy, you'd see it as a guide to your deeper self.

If you want to apply this wisdom, start by observing your own complexes. Let’s say you have a fear of failure that’s been holding you back. Instead of trying to banish that fear, sit with it. Ask yourself what it's trying to tell you. Maybe it's a sign that you care deeply about your work and want to succeed. Use that insight to motivate yourself to prepare better, to learn more, to hone your skills. Your fear, in this light, becomes a tool for growth rather than a barrier.

Let me share a story. Imagine a young woman named Sarah. Sarah loves photography but she’s always been shy and introverted. She used to see her shyness as a hurdle, something that stopped her from networking or putting her work out there. But one day, she decided to look at it differently. She began to see her introversion as a unique perspective. Her shyness made her more observant, more tuned into the subtle emotions of the people she photographed. As a result, her work had a depth and authenticity that set it apart. She started to build a following online, where she could share her work without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. Over time, her shyness became less of a barrier and more of a guiding force in her life.

So, think about your own life. What are the things you struggle with? Can you flip the script and see them as part of what makes you unique? Maybe you’re a perfectionist and it drives you nuts. Instead of fighting it, use that attention to detail to excel in areas where precision matters. Maybe you’re always daydreaming and people say you’re not focused enough. But that imagination could be your greatest asset in a creative field.

In a world where we're often told to "fix" ourselves, this idea is refreshingly liberating. It’s about understanding that your inner conflicts and unique traits are not problems to be solved. They’re integral parts of you, and they can lead you to a more authentic and fulfilling life. So, next time you catch yourself stressing over a complex, take a step back. Ask what it’s trying to teach you. Embrace it, and let it guide you.
Related tags
Acceptance Carl jung Complexes Human behavior Inner peace Mental health Personal growth Psychology Self-acceptance Self-awareness
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