The Neurotic Paradox in Action

Abstract

As a means to short-term adaptation/long-term demise, the human mind is a classic example of the “Neurotic Paradox”a in action as it promotes behavioral patterns which are subject to immediate, short-term reinforcement although the long-term results will be decidedly negative [1]. A related drawback is that short-term errors may be hard to overcome in the long run if the immediate decision sets one off on a bad behavioral pathway which becomes progressively more and more difficult to escape from later [2]. Addictions to drugs or “Pleasure” would be commonplace examples of this basic physio/ psychological principle of learning and life [3]. As philosopher Honoré de Balzac noted, “Pleasure is like certain drugs, to continue to obtain the same result, one must double the dose, and death or brutalization is contained in the last one” [4].