A psychoanalyst and critic discuss the concept of giving up as a way to succeed. They explore the idea of knowing limitations as heroism, the consequences of persistence in famous literary characters, and the balance of discipline and creativity in writing.
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Quick takeaways
Giving up can be a way to succeed at something else, challenging the notion of failure.
Understanding personal thresholds and desires is crucial in balancing persistence and giving up effectively.
Deep dives
Exploring the Theme of Giving Up
Giving Up is viewed as an act usually associated with failure rather than success. The justification for giving up is often deemed necessary when completion does not occur. However, giving up could be seen as a way to succeed at something else, challenging the conventional idea of failure.
The Notion of Persistence vs. Giving Up
Persistence is highlighted as a valuable trait, crucial in overcoming initial resistance to tasks. While persistence is often idealized, giving up is perceived with shame, especially in non-catastrophic contexts. The balance between persistence and giving up is crucial, with emphasis on understanding personal thresholds and desires.
The Significance of Wanting
The book delves into the importance of wanting as a fundamental aspect of human life. Wanting is portrayed as central to survival and human relationships, shaping desires and relationships. The complexity of wanting is explored, proposing that relationships evolve through understanding one's own and others' wants.
Navigating Giving Up in Personal Growth
The contrast between tragic heroes' refusal to give up and the necessity of knowing when to surrender is discussed. Emphasizing the potential positive aspects of giving up in certain situations, the book challenges the catastrophic connotations often associated with not persisting. It explores how giving up can lead to growth and self-awareness.
When is giving up not failure, but a way of succeeding at something else? In his new book, which began as a piece for the LRB, the psychoanalyst and critic Adam Phillips explores the ways in which knowing our limitations can be an act of heroism. This episode was recorded at the London Review Bookshop, where Phillips was joined by the biographer and critic Hermione Lee in a conversation about giving up and On Giving Up, his approach to writing and the purpose of psychoanalysis.
Find Phillips’s 2022 piece On Giving Up and further reading on the episode page: lrb.me/ongivingup