Reflecting Critically on the Political Psyche

‘Samuels has nailed it again! Compelling reading for his signature insights on culture, politics, therapy and Jungian psychology - and for his personal confessions. His explorations of therapeutic thinking in relation to politics, and his commitment to pluralism, so influential for post-Jungians and neo-Jungians of my generation, will endure. His impact is also apparent in psychoanalysis generally - and in psychosocial studies, where he has played a pioneering role. Samuels is not only one of the most important thinkers of his era, but he has also been an outstanding teacher and talent scout, enabling new generations to gain their own recognition.’ Stefano Carpani, Author And Curator Of Jungianeum ‘Samuels has his finger on the pulse of our current global moment, bringing out of the shadows the inevitable reductionism cloaked in the heroism of psychotherapy that goes, itself, unanalysed. By turning stale theoretical notions on their head, he holds out an image of a living and breathing psychology that is radically self-reflective and therefore remains vitally relevant. Here is a must read not only for those of us who analyse and train the next generation of psychoanalysts, but for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of our current epoch as it offers a fresh model of psycho-political engagement centred not on chronology of sanitized theories but on engaging the polemics and disputes inherent in them.’ Tiffany Houck, Director Of Training, Jungian Psychoanalytic Association, New York ‘For over fifty years, Samuels has been pushing the boundaries of psychoanalytic thought, redefining what it means to ‘do’ psychotherapy and conduct research. This new volume sees him at the height of his intellectual powers, unafraid of turning over stones and asking the difficult questions that others dare not pose. Indeed, no stone is left unturned, as Samuels weighs in on the most important topics and controversies of our day – from political violence to the green agenda, from race to ethical therapeutic practice (and the moments we have fallen woefully short). Nothing escapes his critical eye, unrelenting interrogation and playfully insightful analysis. The book is a reminder to all in the fields of Jungian analysis, psychoanalysis and psychosocial studies how much we owe to Andrew, whether in eager or passionate disagreement. It is a testament to the leadership and vision he has brought to the field: a commitment to challenging his audience and colleagues to have courage, think more deeply, and feel more critically - while never losing sight of an obligation to conduct our ‘core business’ with care and compassion. This is Andrew at his best, most controversial, and most scintillating.’ Kevin Lu, Professor Of Applied Psychoanalysis, Royal Central School Of Speech And Drama, University Of London ‘This book crowns the work one of the most brilliant, sincerely intersubjective, and plural thinkers in the Jungian and relational psychoanalytic worlds. Each chapter is a gemstone, elaborating freshly, authentically and thought-provokingly on a variety of themes in the political psyche that Samuels has explored over a lifetime: Pluralism, the ‘Other’, political violence, Jung and ‘Africans’, social justice, and activism (to name some). Multiple parts of himself and his reflections for different readers, for the first time introduced to each other and collected together in a delicate equilibrium that resists synthesis. Samuels’ creative contributions will definitely endure – and I very much doubt this will be the last we will hear from him.’ Monica Luci, Author And Lecturer In The Department Of Psychosocial Studies, University Of Essex