"Doubt is to certainty as neurosis is to psychosis. The neurotic is in doubt and has fears about persons and things; the psychotic has convictions and makes claims about them. In short, the neurotic has problems, the psychotic has solutions"
- Thomas Szasz
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Szasz is a contrast between doubt and certainty, and neurosis and psychosis. Szasz recommends that doubt is to certainty as neurosis is to psychosis. He explains that the unstable is in doubt and has worries about persons and things, while the psychotic has convictions and makes claims about them. To put it simply, the aberrant is uncertain and has difficulty making choices, while the psychotic is specific and makes choices without hesitation. Szasz's quote highlights the distinction between the 2 mindsets, and recommends that the neurotic has issues, while the psychotic has services. This quote is a pointer that doubt and uncertainty can be a typical part of life, which it is important to recognize the difference between neurosis and psychosis.
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