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June 6th, 2005, 10:21 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Posts: 399
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Re: Discussion of CCWAA, Vol. 5, Chapt. XVII-XIX (Problem Children, World View, Marriage)
(Re: Chapter XVII)
Regarding an individual's self-evaluation and the feeling of worthlessness, Alexander Mueller offers some helpful insghts.
"The inferiority feeling does not mean that the person is convinced of his inadequate "worth," - that would be tantamount to resignation - but that there is doubt about one's own worth. There is a constant fear of not measuring up to whatever demands are being made." (From Principles of Individual Psychology, an unpublished manuscript in the AAINW Archives.)
"There is hardly a child or adult who can pass through life without the feeling of inferiority. What are significant are the conclusions that are drawn from one's self-evaluation. If one feels dissatisfied or unfulfilled, knowing one's failings and negative characteristics can become the drive to master and overcome external and internal obstacles and shortcomings. This result decisively furthers development. Should the feeling of inferiority, on the other hand, lead to the belief that one's powers and capabilities are insufficient, that one is useless, a failure, then it can dominate significantly the prevailing mood of a person. These reinforced feelings of inferiority impede the development of the child, and interfere with the lifestyle of the adult." (From Principles of Individual Psychology, an unpublished manuscript in the AAINW archives.)
"We find it significant that an actual inferiority or insufficiency does not automatically have to lead to a feeling of inferiority. It is possible not to feel inferior when in a situation, or be faced by a task, that exceeds one's capabilities, or at least is one that one person is less able to handle than another. A person can consider himself to be fully worthy even when he knows that he cannot master all situations in life - difficulties, dangers - and also when he knows himself not to be the strongest, smartest, most efficient, best, beautiful, etc." (From Alfred Adler's Individual Psychology, an unpublished manuscript in the AAINW Archives.) |