True Self in True Love

Otto Rank (1884-1939), an early psychoanalyst, made this wonderful statement about the experience of love……”Man’s true self, that which differs from character, expresses itself only in one sphere: namely the love life.

There it is manifested quite spontaneously and in real love is just as spontaneously accepted and reciprocated.”  What an amazing idea to contemplate. He’s basically saying that our true self, the genuine real you, only comes into your direct awareness and expression in the world in your love-life.

What I know about Rank tells me his definition of love, like my own, encompasses all the various forms of love not just romantic love. According to Rank, when you love someone you get to be your true self and you get a chance to mutually experience each other’s true self.

Character, on the other hand, is made up of the more superficial persona and social roles we all wear. What a great realization and liberation!

Comments? Welcome. Dr. Tom Jordan