How to be happy though human / by W. Béran Wolfe.

2, protection of the ego in a psychic vault ; 3, the indefinite projection of the final test of ego-value, and 4, the exaggeration of the importance of make-believe triumphs. None of these ends is permanently valuable or permanently attainable, because the neurosis is an attempt to get something for nothing. And no one has ever succeeded in getting something for nothing, or creating something out of nothing. The neurosis, therefore, is doomed to failure, a priori because it runs counter to the logic of the universe. Psychological “ Packets ” and the “ Cure ” of Neuroses Certain neuroses, however, are more or less temporary devices of individuals who have suddenly found them¬ selves momentarily involved in a situation which exceeds their powers of adjustment. With time, the situation becomes less dangerous, or the individual finds a better technique of meeting it. In these circumstances the neurosis suddenly becomes a useless crutch, and the neurotic searches for an opportunity to relieve himself of his encumbrance, because nothing is so annoying as a neurosis that has outgrown its purpose. The famous healing shrines of Lourdes, the alluring blandishments of the latest fashionable health cult, whether injections of pluriglandular extracts, diet, exercise, chiropractic, yoga philosophy, or Christian Science, are all eminently suited to the needs of thousands of neurotics who require a dumping ground for their discarded neuroses. Not only Christian Scientists, but many reputable physicians and psychiatrists, gain their reputation for miraculous healing because the neurotic who has outgrown his neurosis and is ready to relinquish it because it is no longer useful, is quickly cured and inclined to be grateful. It is for this reason that psycholo¬ gists without the least understanding of the meaning of neuroses obtain excellent cures by philosophically and psychiatrically unsound methods of treatment. The patient in these cases is already cured when he