6 papers in the library · publishing 1999
The Enigma of the Oceanic Feeling June 17, 1999 William B. Parsons
Abstract In order to interpretative justice to the reconstructed version of Rolland’s mysticism, it 1s clear that the two avenues of analysis suggested by Freud-one championing a view of mysticism as regressive arid defensive; the other as therapeutic and adaptive—need to be expanded and developed, if riot altogether superseded. New resources must be found to not only ground a fresh...
The Enigma of the Oceanic Feeling June 17, 1999 William B. Parsons
Abstract Drawing on the multiple resources unearthed in the last chapter, we are now in a position to offer a fresh interpretation of Rolland’s mysticism. The latter presents interesting peculiarities: Rolland was an unchurched Western mystic deracinated from traditional religious modes of expressing religious sentiments; a recipient of unchurched mystical experiences, and an advocate of the...
The Enigma of the Oceanic Feeling June 17, 1999 William B. Parsons
Abstract Our efforts up to this point have aimed at elucidating the issues entertained and perspectives offered by Freud and Rolland during the course of their debate on mysticism. The result has been the deconstruction of the common understanding of Freud’s views on mysticism. Certainly the latter were more subtle, complex, and interesting than has been acknowledged. At the same time attention...
The Enigma of the Oceanic Feeling June 17, 1999 William B. Parsons
Abstract On February 9, 1923, Freud wrote to Edouard Monod Hertzen, the son of Gabriel Monod, a friend and teacher of Romain Rolland, to relay to the latter a “word of respect from an unknown admirer.”1 Rolland responded with enthusiasm less than two weeks later, praising Freud’s person and work. Thus began a correspondence which lasted until Freud’s death in 1939, touching on topics ranging...
The Enigma of the Oceanic Feeling June 17, 1999 William B. Parsons
Abstract After Rolland sent Freud a copy of his biographies of the Hindu saints, each man now had the other’s views on the psychology of mysticism firmly in hand, a state of affairs that led to the debate carrying over into a new phase of their correspondence. The essential letters of the latter are but two in number: Freud’s letter of January 19, 1930, and Rolland’s of May 3, 1931. Although...
The Enigma of the Oceanic Feeling June 17, 1999 William B. Parsons
Abstract In his landmark biography of Freud, Ernest Jones observed that no single topic in the Freudian corpus, excepting that of sexuality, had evoked more interest than that of religion. Although Freud’s views on religion are complex, Jones had in mind the definitive and pejorative conception of religion delineated in The Future of an Illusion. There Freud, defining religion in terms of “the...