Promises, Promises

Psychoanalyst Adam Phillips examines the complex nature of promises and their role in human relationships. His collection of essays explores how promises shape our connections, expectations, and understanding of trust. The book moves through various aspects of promises - from childhood development to adult intimacy, from personal pledges to societal contracts. Phillips draws on his clinical experience and incorporates perspectives from literature, philosophy, and psychoanalytic theory. The work analyzes how promises create both possibilities and constraints in human behavior and interaction. Through case studies and cultural observations, Phillips investigates why humans feel compelled to make and keep promises, and what happens when promises are broken. The essays present an investigation of human nature and the psychological mechanisms that drive our need for certainty and commitment. Phillips challenges conventional views about promises, suggesting they reveal core truths about desire, fear, and our search for meaning in relationships.

Readers found Promises, Promises to be dense and intellectually challenging, requiring multiple readings to grasp Phillips' psychoanalytic concepts. Many noted the book functions more as a collection of essays than a cohesive narrative. Readers appreciated: - Fresh perspectives on everyday experiences - Literary references and cultural analysis - Phillips' ability to make complex Freudian ideas accessible - The focused examination of how promises shape relationships Common criticisms: - Abstract and meandering writing style - Lack of practical examples or case studies - Some essays feel repetitive - Dense academic language that can be hard to follow As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "Like therapy itself, this book requires patience and reflection to yield insights." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (248 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (8 ratings) The book has limited reader reviews online, with most discussion appearing in academic contexts rather than consumer reviews.

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🔖 Adam Phillips trained as a child psychotherapist and worked for 17 years in the field before becoming a practicing psychoanalyst 📚 The book explores how promises shape our relationships, self-perception, and psychological development - from childhood promises to marriage vows 💭 Phillips draws heavily on literary sources throughout the book, particularly Shakespeare, to illustrate his points about human nature and relationships 🎯 The author challenges traditional Freudian views by suggesting that breaking promises can sometimes be as important to personal growth as keeping them 📖 The book's essays were originally delivered as talks at the New York Shakespeare Festival Public Theater, combining theatrical and psychological perspectives