Inspirational Quotations

Inspirational Quotes by Norman O. Brown (American Social Philosopher)

Norman Oliver Brown (1913–2002) was an American philosopher and cultural critic known for his influential works on psychoanalysis, philosophy, and culture. Originally a classical scholar, his work later expanded to history, literature, and social theory, earning him notable recognition for his bold, novel ideas.

Born in El Oro, Mexico, Brown was deeply influenced by Sigmund Freud, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Nietzsche. He earned a degree from the University of California-Berkeley, studied at Oxford University, and taught at institutions such as the University of California, Santa Cruz.

His most famous work, Life Against Death: Psychoanalytic Meaning of History (1959,) explores psychoanalysis and society, arguing that civilization’s repression of instinctual drives leads to personal and societal conflict. He suggests that history is defined by the struggle between life-affirming and life-denying forces, gaining attention for its critique of modern civilization.

In Love’s Body (1966,) Brown delves into the connections between the body, sexuality, and human nature, asserting that repressing desires fosters alienation and suffering.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Norman O. Brown

The human body is not a thing or substance, given, but a continuous creation. The human body is an energy system which is never a complete structure; never static; is in perpetual inner self-construction and self-destruction; we destroy in order to make it new.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Body, Man, Mankind

I am what is mine. Personality is the original personal property.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Property, Personality

All currency is neurotic currency.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Money

The money complex is the demonic, and the demonic is God’s ape; the money complex is therefore the heir to and substitute for the religious complex, an attempt to find God in things.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Money

In its famous paradox, the equation of money and excrement, psychoanalysis becomes the first science to state what common sense and the poets have long known—that the essence of money is in its absolute worthlessness.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Money

The dynamics of capitalism is postponement of enjoyment to the constantly postponed future.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Capitalism, Enjoyment

Love without attachment is light.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Love

History is the enactment of ritual on a permanent and universal stage; and its perpetual commemoration.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: History

Freedom is poetry, taking liberties with words, breaking the rules of normal speech, violating common sense. Freedom is violence.
—Norman O. Brown
Topics: Violence, Freedom

Wondering Whom to Read Next?

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *