To Love to Betray

Life's betrayals both define and condemn us to re-create ourselves. Jungian analyst Aldo Carotenuto shows us the positive and fundamental role of betrayal in our growth throughout life. Betrayal visits us from the moment of birth and remains a life theme through childhood, marriage, aging, and death. It is also the foundation of the Jewish and Christian religions.

Carotenuto applies the term to betray to many issues brought to psychotherapy. In psychoanalysis, many old certainties are revealed and betrayed. It is also a time when the expectations of others need to be betrayed. By heightening our consciousness of betrayal and being betrayed, this book moves us toward our true nature and wholeness.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Life as Betrayal

Even Before Birth

A Fatal "Happy Event"

The Parable of the Son Who Refused to Be Loved

Apropos of Roles and Trust

Inimici Hominis Domestici Eius Family Circle and Hermetic Circle Nostalgia Deflected

The Union of Two Solitudes

The Terrible Torture of Silence Euphoria Versus Joy

The Compulsion to Seduce and the Advantage of Being Betrayed

The Climate of Incest

An Unfrequented Temple

Sex Negated

The Unpleasing Body

The Body Betrayed

The Unwell Body

In Pursuit of Death

Death Encountered

Death Desired

Betrayal and Freedom

Epilogue: Experience and Loss

Bibliography

Index