On Balance

On Balance examines fundamental questions about balance and excess in human psychology and modern life. Phillips draws on his experience as a psychoanalyst to explore how people navigate between opposing forces and contradictory desires. The book moves through interconnected essays that consider topics like frustration, getting carried away, and the nature of excess versus moderation. Through clinical examples and cultural analysis, Phillips investigates why balance became an ideal and what drives humans to seek or reject it. Key figures from psychoanalysis, literature and philosophy appear throughout the text as Phillips builds his investigation of these themes. The work references Freud, Winnicott and others while remaining accessible to general readers. The exploration suggests that our preoccupation with balance may prevent us from understanding what truly sustains and fulfills us. Phillips challenges conventional wisdom about mental health and happiness by questioning whether balance should be our primary goal.

Readers describe this psychoanalytic essay collection as thought-provoking but dense. Many note Phillips' exploration of excess, frustration, and balance resonates with their own experiences of moderation and desire. Positive reviews highlight: - Creative metaphors and examples that illuminate complex concepts - Fresh perspectives on everyday psychological struggles - Writing style that blends academic and accessible language Common criticisms: - Verbose and repetitive passages - Abstract arguments that lack practical applications - Difficulty following the philosophical threads One reader noted: "Phillips has interesting ideas but takes 20 pages to express what could be said in 2." Another wrote: "His observations about our relationship with excess made me reconsider my own habits." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (328 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (41 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.75/5 (89 ratings) Several reviewers recommend reading individual essays slowly rather than attempting the book in one sitting.

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The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk A synthesis of neuroscience, psychology, and trauma studies demonstrates how the mind and body process psychological experiences.

States of Mind by Robbie Bosco An examination of psychological paradoxes and internal conflicts through the framework of contemporary psychoanalytic theory.

🔸 Adam Phillips was the first non-medical psychoanalyst to be appointed as a Principal Child Psychotherapist at Charing Cross Hospital in London. 🔸 The book explores how our pursuit of balance might actually be preventing us from finding fulfillment, suggesting that some forms of "excess" and "imbalance" are essential to a meaningful life. 🔸 Phillips draws extensively from literary sources throughout the book, particularly Shakespeare's works, to illustrate psychological concepts – reflecting his background as an English literature student before becoming a psychoanalyst. 🔸 The author challenges the modern self-help industry's emphasis on achieving perfect equilibrium, arguing that our frustrations and excesses are not problems to be solved but vital parts of our psychological makeup. 🔸 The concept of balance discussed in the book was influenced by British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott's theories about "good-enough" parenting and the importance of imperfection in healthy development.