Martin Butler's Negative Philosophy

Martin Butler's Negative Philosophy

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Martin Butler's Negative Philosophy
Martin Butler's Negative Philosophy
Enchanted

Enchanted

Pity the enchanted because one day they will become disenchanted.

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Martin Butler
Mar 20, 2025
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Martin Butler's Negative Philosophy
Martin Butler's Negative Philosophy
Enchanted
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woman in white dress wearing green fairy wings
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Freud suggested that the only happy people are enchanted people. The problem with enchantment is that it doesn't last. Becoming disenchanted is a painful process where our illusions drop away, and uncouth reality makes itself felt once again. That ideal mate who likes everything you like and is a river of charm and compliments will one day be seen for what they are: a warty toad. But until then, you will be enchanted and happy. Maybe you become enchanted with the new town you move to or your new ideal job. Inevitably, your new town or job is just as shabby as the old one, and your enchantment falls away.

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