LOVE AND WILL

by Rollo May ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1969

The existential analyst's major work since Man's Search for Himself of 17 years ago looks at the fragmented (schizoid) modern world where love and will, conjunctive experiences, have been devaluated. This is apparent in the general condition he calls apathy (other definitions--anomie, indifference, withdrawal) and the mechanizing, anesthetizing stress on sexuality: Dr. May in the subsequent discussion looks at various aspects of love and will which may bring fresh ""sources"" to each: for the former, a substitution of eros which implies a fuller and feeling relationship, accompanied by the daimonic which can be a constructive as well as a negative force; for the latter, an implementation of wishes, drives and decisions as well as intentionality (i.e. significance) which can give meaning to experience. While repudiating the newer, shorter ""reality"" approaches, Dr. May makes use of various doctrines (Freud, revised and adapted; occasional aspects of Jung; etc.) and disciplines (philosophic, scientific, literary). He also draws on a large body of civilized commentary from Tillich and William James and T.S. Eliot and Phillip Rieff, sometimes utilizing Playboy along with Plato to supplement the thesis. Along with of course extensive material from his psychoanalytic experience. It is by no means eclectic or dogmatic--synthesizes rather than innovates--and is well within the reach of the general reader

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1969

ISBN: 0393330052

Page Count: -

Publisher: Norton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1969

Categories: NONFICTION