Ego-withdrawal is normal in youth but becomes pathological when the ego rigidifies
Evidence
Whereas adults because of their weakening vitality, concentrate their attention more and more on the objective contents of life, which in the present meaning could as well be designated as its forms, youth is more concerned with the process of life. Youth only wishes to express its power and its surplus of power, regardless of the objects involved. Thus cultural movement toward life and its expression alone, which disdains almost everything formal, objectifies the meaning of youthful life. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 854 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Youth values the process of life while adults cling to its objective forms — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 854; Pure traumatic neurosis involves ego withdrawal without any sexual-drive conflict. — Catherine Malabou, The New Wounded: From Neurosis to Brain…, 2335; the MOC “The Self That Stumbles: Ego, Pride, and the Recognition Economy”
Related
Broader Connections
- Youth values the process of life while adults cling to its objective forms
#expands(0.85) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 854