New Books in Psychoanalysis Adam Phillips, "On Giving Up" (FSG, 2024)
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Jul 1, 2024 
Psychoanalyst Adam Phillips delves into the complexities of giving up, exploring its intersection with desire, control, and the concept of the true self. He challenges societal assumptions, discussing the importance of knowing when to persevere and when to let go. The conversation also touches on relationships, dependencies, and the quest for meaning in a world of endless choices.
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Giving Up Signals Desire for Change
- Giving up happens when people believe they cannot continue as they are and want change.
- Giving up is a critical moment to imagine and make a different future for oneself.
Culture Shapes Wanting and Despair
- Our consumer society creates endless wants that are hard to satisfy and manage.
- Many people face despair about life's meaning, leading to anxiety about whether life is worth living.
When to Give Up or Persevere
- Challenge the cultural assumption that giving up is always bad; sometimes it is necessary for growth.
- Learn to distinguish when persistence is beneficial and when giving up is a vital act of development.