From
Lipot Szondi, Ich-Analyse [=
Ego
Analysis]
Translated by
Arthur C. Johnston
© 2008
By Arthur C. Johnston, PhD
Please Observe: The copyright of this article (in German or =
in
English) belongs to the Szondi Institute and to Dr. Arthur C. Johnston. Thi=
s means
you may not duplicate this article without their permissions.
Chapter XV
THE INTEGRATION OF THE =
EGO
The Ego Radicals as the Forming and Preserving Principle
in the Fate of the Individual and in That of the Community
1. Summary of the Eleme=
ntary
Functions of the Ego
In the pre=
ceding
section we have designated the ego as the reconciler of all mental opposites
and as the bridge over opposites [Pontifex oppositorum] and at first
analyzed it in its elementary functions. The four elementary functions of t=
he ego
-- 1. participative projection, 2. inflation, 3. introjection and 4=
. negation -- are represented as th=
e original
root functions of the ego. That means: As radicals --which in the physiology
and pathology of the psyche, in the personal, and in the communal life of c=
ulture-poor
primitives and of culture-rich civilization peoples -- are not historical for all times, are working substantially equivalent, and are without specific content.
Being one, being the same, and being related with the o=
bject
(participation), being all (inflation), having everything (introjection) and
denying everything (negation) are in fact universal ego tendencies that one=
can
not further explore functionally. Therefore we call them “ego
radicals.”
Since a pe=
rson has
an ego ‑- since he is thus human -‑ he lives continuously with =
these
ego strivings. With the power of these elementary functions he selects a
partner, he establishes a family, he forms groups and clans, races and clas=
ses,
peoples and nations (participation)=
; he
develops for himself spiritual ideals, he founds religions and sciences, he
creates poetry and art (inflation)<=
/i>; he
stores up
material and spiritual capital (introjection); he adapts to reali=
ty, and
then from time to time destroys everything that he has created with his ego=
in
natural and spiritual reality (nega=
tion).
The four elementary functions of the ego describe howev=
er
in the order selected by us also the development stages of the ego both in =
the
development of the individual as well as in that of the masses.<=
span
style=3D'font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;color:black'>
In the beginning of ego development ‑- both
individually and collectively ‑- the original ego drive striving for =
being
one, the same, and related with others dominates, that is, projective
participation. The strength of this projective participation ego striving in
the life of the individual develops the first dual union and the most intimate being one of the mother and th=
e child.
The same participative striving is shaped in collective form on the basis of
being one with the totem clan, sub-clans, and totems as the prototype for t=
he
village states. The same ego striving to have part with others later works =
further
in the individual as the power that urges the person for pairing in love,
friendship and occupation. Thus develop friendship and occupation spheres
(guilds), families, relationship classes and social occupation classes. The
idea of being one and being the same with all humans both with primitives a=
nd
with civilization peoples leads to “collective” and
“communist” systems of government, with which however ‑-
exactly as in psychopathology ‑- the borders between participation
projections and persecution projections very easily disappear.
The second elementary ego function,
striving for perfection [Vollkommenheit] and for being everything, that is inflation, is at the same time th=
e second stage in the ego developmen=
t of
the individual and also in that of the masses. The infantile megalomania of=
being
everything is a fundamental trait of children (S. Freud). In the life of the
collective inflation begins with myths, legends and sagas, religions, rites=
and
ceremonies, poetry and art, and in later phases of mankind’s history:=
Discoveries
and science. The inflative forms of state formation are the government form=
s: Theocracies
in antiquity and fascism and National Socialism in the present.
The third<=
/span> phase of =
development
is conditioned by the drive after h=
aving
-- where possible to have everythin=
g.
The child separates from the spell of the participative dual union with the
mother and from the infantile and inflative world of megalomania. Gradually=
he begins
to introject, that is, to lay in capital from the incorporated characterist=
ics
of his ancestors (identification) with whom he shapes gradually his charact=
er;
furthermore he puts in capital from knowledge out of which he forms his wor=
ld
picture and his world view. In the life of the masses as well as what conce=
rns
material and spiritual possessions, the capitalistic formation of families,
classes, and states begin to be laid in with introjection.
Only the fourth development stage -- striving of the ego for renouncing and
denying
-- brings for himself the ability for adapting to other human bei=
ngs
and, out of the individual, forms the socialized drilled person and out of =
the
collective the “drilled masses” [Editor: drilled =3D all
marching precisely in step with each other as in a military drill]. In the
stage of negation the individual, for society and the people and for all of=
the
people, becomes bearable and thus &=
#8220;socialized.”
Stopping, thus the fixation of the
individual and also the masses at any stage of the elementary functions of =
the
ego, quite often becomes dangerous.
If the participation and the followi=
ng
secondary projection are the sole dominant function, that is the “uni=
function”
ego, then occurs generally the condition of projective paranoids and
persecution delusions, both with the individual as well as with the masses =
and
the state. The unifunction of inflation leads to the well-known picture of =
greatness
delusions [megalomania] with individuals and peoples, races, and classes.
The unifunction of the introjection,=
the
having all, culminates with the individual in egoism, in narcissism, and in=
an autistic
undisciplined schizophrenic manner of thinking; and with state formation in
high finances or state capitalism. The unifunction of negation -- in cases =
that
are driven to extremes ‑- leads the individual either to criminal
destructions or to destruction of the imagination [Desimagination] u=
p to
the negativism of the catatonics.
The hyper =
negation
of the masses led in history quite often to iconoclastic destructions, to
revolutions, and to nihilism.
Each form of the unifunction of the =
ego
can thus become dangerous.
The ideal for an individual and collective ego function=
is:
The integration of all four elementary functions.
Only the integrated ego is able to particip=
ate,
at the same time to be inflative to perfection [completeness], to lay
introjective‑identifying capital in knowledge and science and in mate=
rial
possessions, and also to renounce and
to deny. Briefly: the complete =
ego
earns the sole name of a bridge over opposites [Pontifex oppositorum=
].
Because only the complete crossing (amalgamation) of all four root striving=
s of
the ego can lead the individual to becoming a free self and the people to b=
e a
free democracy.
The integrated ego (Sch =3D ± ±) is
thus the aspiring ego ideal both for the individual as also for the communi=
ty.
The polar
opposite ego picture: Disintegration (Sch =3D 0 0), that =
is the complete
giving up of any ego function, leads the individual to the twilight ego con=
dition
and to the complete loss of the ego and the people to the condition of anar=
chy
and chaos.
*
The tables=
numbers
4 to 7 give an overview of the elementary functions of the ego and indeed o=
f :
I. Definition, II. Forms, III. End goals, IV. Origin mechanisms, V. Physiol=
ogy,
VI. Characterology, VII. Sociology, VIII. Pathological operation, each sepa=
rately
according to A. Personal, B. Collective, and C. Familial phenomena worlds.
*
The explor=
ation into
the data of these tables will be able to convince the reader about the
fundamental importance of the four elementary functions of the ego both in =
the
mental life of the individual as well as in that of the community. The fourness of the ego functions has=
in my
opinion a heuristic value in all branches of psychology and psychopathology=
--
even in sociology, ethnology, anthropology and history. On the basis of the=
ir
being four elementary ego functions we can speak of the characterology of the four root types and respectively of basic
characters: 1. the participative projective, 2. the inflative creative R=
20;being-istic,”
3. the introjective “have-istic” and 4. the denying, opposition=
al, and
negativist character type.
This
fourness of the basic characters is the basis of all typologies, which I ha=
ve
set up ‑- without thereby foreseeing the roots of the ego drives.
In psychopathology this fourness make=
s possible
the natural organization of the symptoms, in particular the delusion
formations, into 1. projective, 2. inflative, 3. introjective, and 4.
negativistic symptoms and delusion groups.
The applic=
ation
of this fourness in sociology l=
eads
to the 1. participative collective,=
2. racial, class, and people inflat=
ive,
3. introjective capitalistic, and <=
/i>4. negativistic, destructive, and nihili=
stic
systems of government. As an eternal ideal stands constantly the integrated fifth system of governm=
ent: The free and democratic form, which
tries to bridge all opposites in the society and which by its integrative
strivings are able to tower far above the mentioned four unifunctional ego
systems of government.
This fourness of the ego roots is ab=
le
to attain similar meanings in ethnology, anthropology, and the science of
history if one has the courage to place the ego as the bridge over opposite=
s [Pontifex
oppositorum] with its roots in the center of any ethnic, anthropological, a=
nd
historical investigation.
We are the
opinion that the fourness of th=
e ego
functions represents the forming and preserving elementary principle ‑=
;-
not only in the fate of the individual but also in that of the community=
217;s
life.
|
Table 4. Overvi=
ew
of Ego Projection=
|
|||
|
Projection |
A. Personal |
B. Collective |
C. Familial |
|
I. Concept designations of projection |
a) General definition: Projection is the=
transferring out of
internal perceptions into the
external world. The internally abolished returns aga=
in
from the outside (Freud). b) Special definition: A projection is personal if the out=
-shifted
contents of the inventory belong =
to
the repressed personal unconscious. |
a) General definition: Projection is a noticeable developed archaic identity, and has become=
the object of one’s own
subjective criticism or that of another (Jung). b) Special definition: The projection is collective when the transferred-=
outward
contents belong to the inventory of the collective unconscious of
mankind. |
a) General definition: Projection is the transfer=
ence
of personally repressed forms, family hidden<=
/span> ancestor forms
(genotypes) and collective original f=
orms
(archetypes) into the environment.
Projection is the basis for e=
ach
choice. b) Special definition: The projection is familial when the transferred-outward
contents belong to the familial unconscious. |
|
II. Forms |
1. Primary personal projection =3D real participation with the mother. (Incestuous unity with the mother.) 2. Secondary personal projection =3D pathologic=
al
projective delusion <=
/span>formation due to the repressed homosexuality. |
1. Primary collective projection =3D participat=
ion
mystique (Lévy-Bruhl): =
Being one, the same, and related to all members of a group and being one
with all beings and <=
/span>things in the world. 2. Secondary collective projection =3D the same as
under 1 as delusion <=
/span>with paranoids. |
1. Primary familial projection =3D a) Familial participatio=
n: Being one and the same
with all fellow members of a family. b) Participation of gene
related. 2. Secondary familial projection =3D sick delusional i=
deas
over being the same with
one’s ancestors or being persecuted by them. |
|
III. Final goal of the projection |
The makng return of t=
he
repressed and guiding back of libido to the abandoned persons.<=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;color:black'> |
The restitution of th=
e projected contents becomes necessary bec=
ause its absence injures
adaptation. |
The realization of ha=
ving
part in the other in the f=
orm of love, friendship a=
nd occupation. The
implimentation of the=
unity with the partne=
r. |
|
IV. Origin mechanisms of projection<=
/span> |
1. Repression of an int=
ernal
forbidden striving or representation. 2. Disguise of suppre=
ssed
contents. 3. Transferring out of
the disguised contents. 4. Return of the internal raised-up forms from
the outside (according to Freud). |
1. Being the same of =
the
subject with the object; archaic identity on t=
he
basis of a projection. 2. Difficulties in adaptation through the absence of the projected contents. 3. Restitution of the=
projected contents in=
the subject through
undoing of the original being the same with the object. |
1. Through heredity is
set up the genotypes and ancestor forms in the
fam=
ilial
unconscious. 2. These ancestor images
become projected from the ego into the environment. 3. The projection of =
an ancestor form means psychologically=
: On the search after the
“gene related" and after carriers of the same ancestor form that
the person has transferred outside (genotropism). 4. After finding the =
gene
related, one develops love,
friendship and occupation pai=
rs. |
|
Table
4. Overview
of Ego Projection (Continued) |
|||
|
Projection |
A.
Personal |
B.
Collective |
C.
Familial |
|
V. Physiological operation of projection |
1. Dual union formation between mo=
ther
and child. 2. Transference. 3. Dream formation: wish dreams. 4. Crowd formation. 5. Projection as defense mechanism. |
1. In infancy: World formation. 2. With primitives: Being one, being the same, and being related with=
one
another and with nature =3D the mysterious sharing together of heterogene=
ous
things that work through mystic forces. Features: a) Fund=
amental
homogeneity of all bei=
ngs; b) Soli=
darity
of the individuals with one’s group; c) Expa=
nsion of
the personality through
“mana, imunu”; d) Pres=
ence of
a spirit in all phe=
nomena
and functions; e) Each
material object and body radiate out a mystic spiritual power (mana, =
etc.); f) Spir=
it and
protective spirit as archetypes (genius) of art; g) Pres=
ence of
the collective ancestor in the individual (tjurunga, schwirrholz [whirling
wood instrument], etc.). 3. With cultured peoples: Collective formation of a) the =
drive
life, b) the =
spirit, c) the numinous behavior (religi=
on,
rites, etc.), d) the =
value
function, e) foreknowledge of original nature and one’s
ancestors. |
1. Genotropism, choice-guiding, seeking and findin=
g of
partners a) in love;<= o:p> b) in friendship=
; c) in occupation=
. 2. Real participation: being o=
ne and
being the same with the chosen pa=
rtner;
sharing in the other.<= o:p> 3. Marriage formation, familial formation. 4. Group formation and cooperative formation on the bas=
is of
gene relationship. |
|
VI. Characterological operation of projection: The participative, projective char=
acter |
In the =
effect
of projection on the character it is nearly impossible to separate the
personal from the familial and the collective. They shape together the
so-called “participative
" and projective element=
ary
character with the following traits: 1. Urge=
to be one, the same, and related=
with
the partner and with everything in the world; 2.
Self-underestimation, self-uncertainty, thinking oneself inferior without the partner; only in=
a dual
union is one secure and safe; 3. Caut=
ion,
wariness, watchfulness, distrust, searching for a scapegoat; 4. Sens=
itivity,
irritability, touchiness, demanding, irreconcilability, resentment; 5.
Quarrel-seeking, belligerent, contentiousness; 6. Slyn=
ess,
cunning, crafty; 7. Myst=
ic
occult thinking; 8. Incl=
ination
to contemplation and meditation; 9. Incl=
ination
to telepathy. |
||
|
VII. Sociological operation of projection |
a) Generation of pairs =
in participative and dual union fo=
rm. b) Incest love. c) Oedipal situation. |
a) With primitives: b) With cultured peoples: participa=
tive
and paranoid state formation based on the idea of the oneness and sameness<=
/i> of
all humans with the danger of=
paranoid state security methods.=
|
a) Familial formation on the basis =
of
genotropism b) Projective oc=
cupation choice: See. Volume. I, p. 91. |
|
VIII. Operation of projection in illnesses |
1. Para=
noid
projective neurosis; 2. Paranoid projective schizophrenia; significance,
reference, persecution, and injury delusions; 3. Paranoid projective heboid or hebephrenic; 4. Political
criminals out of persecution
delusion. |
|
Table 5. Overvi= ew of Ego Inflation<= o:p> |
|||
|
Inflation |
A. Personal |
B. Collective |
C. Familial |
|
I. Concept designations of inflation |
a) General definition: Inf=
lation
is the doubling of the ego (Fr=
eud). Possession [Besessenhe=
it] is a form of inf=
lation,
the condition in which “the person himself appears to be converted into the o=
ther
person and to manifest voice, behavior, and expression of the face and the
contents of the speech of another person.” (Jaspers). b) Special definition: Inflation is personal when the
doubling and the expansion of the ego occur
with contents =
that come from the p=
ersonal
repressed unconscious. |
a) General definition: Inflation is the
expansion of the personality -- that is, the ballooning of the person thr=
ough
the dissolution of the opposites. b) Special definition: Collective inflation is=
the dou=
bling
of the ego |
a) General definition: Inflation is the orig=
inal
elementary b) Special definition: Familial inflation is =
the exp=
ansion
of the ego |
|
II. Forms of inflation=
|
1. Primary personal inflation: Infantile doubling an=
d greatness ideas
[megalomania] in childhood. 2. Secondary personal inflation: megalomanic delusional
relations to <=
span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Times;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times N=
ew Roman";
color:black'>God and the world on the basis of homosexual binding to=
a
parent. |
1. Primary collective inflation: a) Allness feeling and
omnipresence feeling in childhood age. Official persona with
adults. b) With primitives: Bei=
ng
double and double presence, two sex=
ual
being of totem ancestor, cult
devices and cult initiations. 2. Secondary collective inflation: Allness, dou=
bling,
god-like delusions with schizophrenics. a) Dissolution of opposites b) Assimilation of the =
unconscious
(shadow, anima, animus). |
1. Primary familial inflation: Increase of the power of the person and the chi=
ld
through that of the ancestors; increasing the power of the paren=
ts thro=
ugh
that of the children.=
2. Secondary familial inflation: Transforming-on=
eself
delusion and doubling delusion after crossing over the boundaries between
members of the family. a) The person will be everything. b) Doubling of the power of the ego through denying the
opposites of man and woman,=
God
and humans, etc. |
|
III. Final goal
of inf=
lation |