ABSTRACT
In all neurotic developments the alienation from self is the nuclear problem; in all of them we find the search for glory, the shoulds, the claims, the self-hate and the various measures to relieve tension. But we do not yet have a picture of how these factors operate in a particular neurotic structure. Such a picture depends upon the kind of solution the individual finds for his intrapsychic conflicts. Before we can adequately describe these solutions, however, we must clarify the inner constellation generated by the pride system and the conflicts involved in it. We understand that there is a conflict between the pride system and the real self. But, as I have already indicated, a major conflict also arises within the pride system itself. Self-glorification and self-contempt do not constitute a conflict. In fact, as long as we think only in terms of these two diametrically opposed images of ourselves, we recognize contradictory and yet complementary self-evaluations—but we are not aware of the conflicting drives. This picture changes when we look at it from a different perspective and focus on the question: how do we experience ourselves?
