ABSTRACT
This chapter describes both of I. Brenman Pick's notion of narrow-mindedness, and of the central importance of finding a home for ones feelings, in determining what kind of a self, or selves, psychoanalysts develop. On the one hand, there is the need for a strong self, and for a sense of it; on the other hand, there is a meaning of "self" according to which the small, petty self dominates and limits psychoanalysts. Psychoanalysis is in part the recognition, restoration, and enlargement of the loving, generous self. The chapter discusses an example, from Ian McEwan's novel Solar, of the power of the narcissistic self to influence and take over from a saner self. When the generous self prevails, it accommodates, has some affectionate relation to, and stands up to the narcissistic self, rather as generous parents look after their children and help them grow up. This idea of accommodation–giving a home to resonates with the notion of mental space.
