Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

This is a fascinating train of thought, I'll bite!

Makes me think of intellectualization...

> In psychology, intellectualization (intellectualisation) is a defense mechanism by which reasoning is used to block confrontation with an unconscious conflict and its associated emotional stress – where thinking is used to avoid feeling.

> Like rationalisation, intellectualization can thus provide a bridge between immature and mature mechanisms both in the process of growing up and in adult life.[14]

> Donald Winnicott, however, considered that erratic childhood care could lead to over-dependence on intellectuality as a substitute for mothering;[15] and saw over-preoccupation with knowledge as an emotional impoverishment aimed at self-mothering via the mind.[16]

It's certainly a form of dissociation, but I think in the case of the author, and others with a similar sentiment here, it's more conscious and intentional, than unconscious.

Surely a conscious choice to escape into intellectualism/information at a young age could lead to training of your thought processes/patterns such that it does become an unconscious act. Regardless of choice, I think it's an interesting parallel to draw, still...




Consider applying for YC's W25 batch! Applications are open till Nov 12.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: