Psychic Mimesis From Bible and Homer to Now: Inner Lives Over Time

Psychic Mimesis From Bible and Homer to the Present: Inner Life Over Time explores how our current views of inner life have developed over time, tracing the contributions from different eras and cultures and highlighting three enduring trends: emotions, the need to conceal and reveal secrets, and attachment. It follows Auerbach's text, Mimesis, and adds surprises such as Maimonides' Guide to the Perplexed and Rousseau's Confessions to arrive at a twenty-first-century sense of self and inner life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

From Bible and Homer to the Present: Inner Life Over Time delves into the evolution of our contemporary perspectives on the inner world,spanning a vast expanse of time and cultural contexts. It traces the roots of our understanding of the inner life back to Biblical and Homeric times,and then traverses over two millennia of Western literature to unravel the intricacies of this profound inquiry.

What emerges is a rich tapestry of contributions from various eras and cultures, encompassing concepts such as volition, ego ideal, superego, development as a journey, relatedness, and even the very essence of innerness. However, amidst these diverse viewpoints, three enduring trends emerge as foundational threads that have persisted throughout the ages and continue to shape our understanding of inner life.

Firstly, we encounter the profound influence of emotions on our inner selves. We explore the innate human need to conceal and reveal secrets, as well as the deep-rooted attachment that drives us to seek connection and intimacy. This facet of our inner life reveals our capacity for both exploration and vulnerability, as we navigate the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of our own minds.

Secondly, we delve into the realm of our capacity for psychic mimesis, or the ability to replicate and interpret the inner experiences of others. This phenomenon, observed from ancient times to the present, highlights our innate empathy and our capacity to connect with others on a profound level. It underscores the importance of storytelling, art, and literature in shaping our understanding of the human psyche and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Lastly, we examine the enduring theme of attachment, which encompasses our desire for security, stability, and meaningful connections. This attachment drives us to seek out relationships that provide us with a sense of belonging and fulfillment, as well as to protect and nurture those relationships. It highlights the interplay between our individual desires and the broader social and cultural contexts in which we live.

Through the course of this book, we embark on a journey of discovery, guided by the insightful text of Auerbach, Mimesis. We incorporate unexpected treasures, such as Maimonides' Guide to the Perplexed and Rousseau's Confessions, to broaden our understanding of the universal aspects of inner life. We recognize that while there are distinct characteristics and nuances associated with different eras and cultures, there is also a profound resonance that transcends time and borders.

In conclusion, From Bible and Homer to the Present: Inner Life Over Time offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of our perspectives on the inner world, shedding light on the multifaceted tapestry of contributions from ancient times to the present. It highlights the enduring trends of emotions, psychic mimesis, and attachment, and encourages us to embrace the richness and diversity of our inner lives as we navigate the complexities of human existence.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 237 x 157 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666922554