How to be happy though human / by W. Béran Wolfe.
91/400
72 (canvas 92)
The image contains the following text:
7. Subjective Sources of Inferiority Feeling
Our seventh class of inferiority generators comprises a
host of subjective experiences which defy logical classifica¬
tion. The sole common denominator oif these subjective
sources of the feeling of inadequacy is the fact that they
are usually based upon ignorance, misinterpretation, or
exaggeration of subjective experiences. The case of
Edward K. will serve as an example.
Mr. K.’s outstanding characteristic is an unpleasant
cackling laugh. He is incapable of making a simple
statement, such as “ To-day is a fine day ” or “ I like to
watch race-horses ” without completing the statement with
his annoying and utterly unwarranted laugh. Analysis
demonstrated the purpose of the laugh as a plea for
leniency, and traced its origins to his parents * unremitting
ridicule of his every attempt at independence during
childhood. His first childhood memory is of making a
small sailing boat out of a cigar-box, a few bobbins,
pencils, and a strip of a discarded petticoat. Edward
brought his boat into the sitting-room, proud of his
accomplishment, and expecting his father’s approval.
The boat was made the source of ridicule and merry¬
making before a group of visitors, and the child
remembers withdrawing in anguish, shame, and resent¬
ment from the room, and secretly destroying his boat in
a fit of despondency and chagrin. Similar ridicule met
his first attempts at drawing, his first poem, his first
pair of long trousers, his first attempt to ask a girl to a
dance. At the age of twenty-one he timidly announced his
engagement only to be greeted by roars of merriment.
He broke the engagement and has not been able to
approach another girl. E. K.’s father is not an innately
vicious man. Perhaps he meant his merriment as friendly
criticism. Its effect was psychic strangulation. There is
hardly a more criminal attitude than ridicule of a child’s
attempts at creative work. Even monkeys cannot bear to
be ridiculed.
Edna B. demonstrates an inferiority complex due to a