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* [[Lacan, Jacques]]. [[Of Structure as an Inmixing of an Otherness Prerequisite to Any Subject Whatever]]. Talk at John Hopkins University, Baltimore. 1966.<http://www.lacan.com/hotel.htm>
Somebody spent some time this afternoon trying to convince me that it would surely not be a [[pleasure]] for an English-speaking audience to listen to my bad accent and that for me to speak in [[English]] would constitute a risk for what one might call the transmission of my [[message]]. Truly, for me it is a great case of [[conscience]], because to do otherwise would be absolutely contrary to my own concept of the [[message]]: of the [[message]] as I will explain it to you, of the [[linguistic]] [[message]]. Many people talk nowadays about messages everywhere, inside the organism a hormone is a message, a beam of light to obtain teleguidance to a plane or from a satellite is a message, and so on; but the [[message]] in [[language]] is absolutely different. The message, our message, in all cases comes from the [[Other]] by which I understand "from the place of the Other." It certainly is not the common [[little other|other]], the [[little other| other]] with a lower-case <i>o</i>, and this is why I have given a capital <i>O</i> as the initial letter to the [[Other]] of whom I am now speaking. Since in this case, here in Baltimore, it would seam that the [[Other]] is naturally [[English]]-speaking, it would really be doing myself [[violence]] to speak [[French]]. But the question that this person raised, that it would perhaps be difficult and even a little ridiculous for me to speak [[English]], is an important argument and I also know that there are many French-speaking people present that do not understand English at all; for these my choice of English would be a security, but perhaps I would not wish them to be so secure and in this case I shall speak a little French as well.
The question that the nature of the [[unconscious]] puts before us is in a few words, that something always [[think]]s. [[Freud]] told us that the [[unconscious]] is above all [[thought]]s, and that which [[think]]s is [[bar]]red from [[consciousness]]. This [[bar]] has many applications, many possibilities with regard to meaning. The main one is that it is really a [[bar]]rier, a [[bar]]rier which it is necessary to jump over or to pass through. This is important because if I don't emphasize this [[bar]]rier all is well for you. As we say in [[French]], ''ça vous arrange'', because if something thinks in the floor below or underground things are simple; [[thought]] is always there and all one needs is a little [[consciousness]] on the [[thought]] that the living being is naturally thinking and all is well. If such were the case, [[thought]] would be prepared by [[life]], [[naturally]], such as [[instinct]] for instance. If [[thought]] is a [[natural]] process, then the [[unconscious]] is without difficulty. But the [[unconscious]] has nothing to do with [[instinct]] or primitive [[knowledge]] or preparation of [[thought]] in some underground. It is a [[thinking]] with [[word]]s, with [[thought]]s that escape your vigilance, your state of watchfulness. The question of vigilance is important. It is as if a demon plays a game with your watchfulness. The question is to find a precise status for this [[other]] [[subject]] which is exactly the sort of [[subject]] that we can determine taking our point of departure in [[language]].
When I prepared this little talk for you, it was early in the morning. I could see Baltimore through the window and it was a very interesting moment because it was not quite daylight and a neon sign indicated to me every minute the change of time, and naturally there was heavy traffic and I remarked to myself that exactly all that I could see, except for some trees in the distance, was the result of thoughts [[thought]]s actively [[thinking thoughts]] [[thought]]s, where the function played by the subjects was not completely obvious. In any case the so-called <i>[[Dasein]]</i> as a definition of the [[subject]], was there in this rather intermittent or fading [[spectator]]. The best [[image ]] to sum up the [[unconscious ]] is Baltimore in the early morning.
Where is the [[subject]]? It is necessary to find the [[subject]] as a [[lost object]]. More precisely this [[lost object]] is the support of the [[subject]] and in many cases is a more abject thing than you may care to consider&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;in some cases it is something done, as all [[psychoanalyst]]s and many people who have been psychoanalyzed know perfectly well. That is why many [[psychoanalyst]]s prefer to return to a general [[psychology]], as the President of the New York Psychoanalytical Society tells us we ought to do. But I cannot change things, I am a [[psychoanalyst]] and if someone prefers to address himself to a professor of [[psychology]] that is his affair. The question of the [[structure]], since we are talking of [[psychology]], is not a term that only I use. For a long time thinkers, searchers, and even inventors who were concerned with the question of the [[mind]], have over the years put forward the idea of [[unity]] as the most important and characteristic trait of [[structure]]. Conceived as something which is already in the [[reality]] of the organism it is obvious. The organism when it is mature is a unit and functions as a unit. The question becomes more difficult when this idea of [[unity]] is applied to the function of the [[mind]], because the [[mind]] is not a totality in itself, but these ideas in the form of the intentional [[unity]] were the basis; as you know, of all of the so-called [[phenomenological]] movement. The same was also true in [[physics]] and [[psychology]] with the so-called [[Gestalt]] school and the [[notion]] of <i>bonne forme</i> whose function was to join, for instance, a drop of water and more complicated ideas, and great [[psychologist]]s, and even the [[psychoanalyst]]s are full of the idea of &quot;total personality.&quot; At any rate, it is always the [[unifying]] [[unity]] which is in the foreground. I have never understood this, for if I am a [[psychoanalyst]] I am also a man, and as a man my experience has shown me that the principal characteristic of my own [[human]] [[life]] and, I am sure, that of the people who are here&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and if anybody is not of this opinion I hope that he will raise his hand&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;is that [[life]] is something which goes, as we say in [[French]],<i> á la dérive</i>. [[Life]] goes down the river, from time to time touching a bank; staying for a while here and there, without understanding anything&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and it is the principle of [[analysis]] that nobody understands anything of what happens. The idea of the [[unifying]] [[unity]] of the [[human]] condition has always had on me the effect of a scandalous [[lie]].
Where is the subject? It is necessary to find the subject as a lost object. More precisely this lost object is the support of the subject and in many cases is a more abject thing than you may care to consider&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;in some cases it is something done, as all psychoanalysts and many people who have been psychoanalyzed know perfectly well. That is why many psychoanalysts prefer to return to a general psychology, as the President of the New York Psychoanalytical Society tells us we ought to do. But I cannot change things, I am a psychoanalyst and if someone prefers to address himself to a professor of psychology that is his affair. The question of the structure, since we are talking of psychology, is not a term that only I use. For a long time thinkers, searchers, and even inventors who were concerned with the question of the mind, have over the years put forward the idea of unity as the most important and characteristic trait of structure. Conceived as something which is already in the reality of the organism it is obvious. The organism when it is mature is a unit and functions as a unit. The question becomes more difficult when this idea of unity is applied to the function of the mind, because the mind is not a totality in itself, but these ideas in the form of the intentional unity were the basis; as you know, of all of the so-called phenomenological movement. </p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%"><spacer size="20" type="horizontal" />The same was also true in physics and psychology with the so-called Gestalt school and the notion of <i>bonne forme</i> whose function was to join, for instance, a drop of water and more complicated ideas, and great psychologists, and even the psychoanalysts are full of the idea of &quot;total personality.&quot; At any rate, it is always the unifying unity which is in the foreground. I have never understood this, for if I am a psychoanalyst I am also a man, and as a man my experience has shown me that the principal characteristic of my own human life and, I am sure, that of the people who are here&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and if anybody is not of this opinion I hope that he will raise his hand&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;is that life is something which goes, as we say in French,<i> á la dérive</i>. Life goes down the river, from time to time touching a bank; staying for a while here and there. without understanding anything&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and it is the principle of analysis that nobody understands anything of what happens. The idea of the unifying unity of the human condition has always had on me the effect of a scandalous lie. </p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%"><spacer size="20" type="horizontal" />We may try to introduce another principle to [[understand ]] these things. If we rarely try to [[understand ]] things from the point of view of the [[unconscious]], it is because the [[unconscious ]] tells us something articulated in words [[word]]s and perhaps we could try to search for their principle.
I suggest you consider the [[unity]] in another light. Not a <i>unifying</i> [[unity]] but the countable unity one, two, three. After fifteen years I have taught my pupils to count at most up to five which is difficult (four is easier) and they have [[understood]] that much. But for tonight permit me to stay at two. Of course what we are dealing with here is the question of the integer, and the question of integers is not a simple one as I think many people here know. To count, of course, is not difficult. It is only necessary to have, for instance, a certain number of sets and a one to-one correspondence. It is true for example that there are exactly as many people sitting in this room as there are seats. But it is necessary to have a collection composed of integers to constitute an integer, or what is called a natural number. It is, of course, in part natural but only in the sense that we do not understand why it exists. Counting is not an empirical fact and it is impossible to deduce the act of counting from empirical data alone. [[Hume]] tried but Frege demonstrated perfectly the ineptitude of the attempt. The real difficulty lies in the fact that every integer is in itself a unit. If I take two as a unit, things are very enjoyable, [[men]] and [[women]] for instance&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;[[love]] plus [[unity]]! But after a while it is finished, after these two there is nobody, perhaps a [[child]], but that is another level and to generate three is another affair. When you try to read the theories of [[mathematicians]] regarding numbers you find the formula &quot;n plus 1 (n + 1)&quot; as the basis of all the theories. It is this question of the &quot;one more&quot; that is the key to the genesis of numbers and instead of this [[unifying]] [[unity]] that constitutes two in the first case I propose that you consider the real numerical genesis of two.
I suggest you consider It is necessary that this two constitute the first integer which is not yet born as a number before the unity in another lighttwo appears. Not a You have made this possible because the two is here to grant existence to the first one: put <i>unifyingtwo</i> unity but in the countable unity place of <i>one, </i> and consequently in the place of the <i>two, </i> you see <i>three</i> appear. After fifteen years What we have here is something which I can call the <i>mark</i>. You already have taught my pupils to count at most up to five something which is marked or something which is difficult (four not marked. It is easier) and they with the first mark that we have understood the status of the thing. It is exactly in this fashion that much. But Frege explains the genesis of the number; the class which is characterized by no elements is the first class; you have one at the place of zero and afterward it is easy to understand how the place of one becomes the second place which makes place for tonight permit me to stay at two, three, and so on. Of course what we are dealing with here The question of the two is for us the question of the integer, subject. and here we reach a fact of psychoanalytical experience in as much as the question of integers is two does not a simple complete the one as I think many people here know. To countto make two, of course, is not difficultbut must repeat the one to permit the one to exist. It This first repetition is the only one necessary to haveexplain the genesis of the number, for instance, a certain number of sets and a only one repetition is necessary to-one correspondenceconstitute the status of the subject. It The unconscious subject is true for example something that there are exactly as many people sitting in this room as there are seats. But it tends to repeat itself, but only one such repetition is necessary to have a collection composed of integers to constitute an integerit. However, or let us look more precisely at what is called necessary for the second to repeat the first in order that we may have a natural numberrepetition. This question cannot be answered too quickly. It If you answer too quickly, you will answer that it isnecessary that they are the same. In this case the principle of the two should be that of twins&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and why not triplets or quintuplets? In my day we used to teach children that they must not add, of coursefor instance, in part natural microphones with dictionaries; but only in the sense that this is absolutely absurd, because we would not have addition if we do were not understand why it existsable to add microphones with dictionaries or as [[Lewis Carroll]] says, cabbages with kings. Counting The sameness is not an empirical fact and in things but in the <i>mark</i> which makes it is impossible possible to add things with no consideration as to deduce their differences. The mark has the act effect of counting from empirical data alone. Hume tried but Frege demonstrated perfectly rubbing out the difference, and this is the key to what happens to the ineptitude of subject, the attempt. The real difficulty lies unconscious subject in the fact repetition; because you know that every integer this subject repeats something peculiarly significant, the subject is here, for instance, in itself a unitthis obscure thing that we call in some cases trauma, or exquisite pleasure. What happens? If I take two as a unitthe &quot;thing&quot; exists in this symbolic structure, things are very enjoyableif this unitary trait is decisive, men and women for instancethe trait of the sameness is here. In order that the &nbspquot;thing&#8212quot;&nbsp;love plus unity! But after a while it which is finishedsought be here in you, after these two there it is nobody, perhaps a child, but necessary that the first trait be rubbed out because the trait itself is another level and to generate three a modification. It is another affair. When you try to read the theories taking away of mathematicians regarding numbers you find all difference, and in this case, without the trait, the formula first &quot;n plus 1 (n + 1)thing:&quot; is simply lost. The key to this insistence in repetition is that in its essence repetition as the basis repetition of all the theoriessymbolical sameness is impossible. It In any case, the subject is the effect of this question of repetition in as much as it necessitates the &quot;one morefading,&quot; that the obliteration, of the first foundation of the subject, which is why the subject, by status, is always presented as a divided essence. The trait, I insist, is identical, but it assures the key to difference only of identity&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;not by effect of sameness or difference but by the genesis difference of numbers identity. This is easy to understand: as we say in French, <i>je vous numérotte</i>, I give you each a number; and instead of this unifying unity that constitutes two in assures the first case I propose fact that you consider the real numerical genesis of twoare numerically different but nothing more than that.
What can we propose to intuition in order to show that the trait be found in something which is at the same time one or two? Consider the following diagram which I call an inverted eight, after a well-known figure:
It is necessary that this two constitute the first integer which is not yet born as a number before the two appears. You have made this possible because the two is here to grant existence to the first one: put <i>two</i> in the place of <i>one</i> and consequently in the place of the <i>two</i> you can see <i>three</i> appear. What we have here is something which I can call the <i>mark</i>. You already have something which is marked or something which is not marked. It is with the first mark that we have the status of the thing. It is exactly line in this fashion that Frege explains the genesis of the number; the class which is characterized by no elements is the first class; you have instance may be considered either as one at the place of zero and afterward it is easy to understand how the place of one becomes the second place which makes place for or as two, three, and so onlines. The question of the two is for us This diagram can be considered the question basis of the subject. and here we reach a fact sort of psychoanalytical experience in as much as the two does not complete essential inscription at the one to make twoorigin, but must repeat in the one to permit knot which constitutes the one to existsubject. This goes much further than you might think at first repetition is the only one necessary to explain the genesis of the number, and only one repetition is necessary to constitute because you can search for the status sort of the subject. The unconscious subject is something that tends surface able to repeat itself, but only one receive such repetition is necessary to constitute itinscriptions. However You can perhaps see that the sphere, let us look more precisely at what is necessary that old symbol for the second to repeat the first in order that we may have a repetition. This question cannot be answered too quickly. If you answer too quicklytotality, you will answer that it is necessary that they are the sameunsuitable. In this case the principle of the two should be that of twins&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and why not triplets or quintuplets? In my day we used to teach children that they must not add A [[torus]], for instancea Klein bottle, microphones with dictionaries; but this is absolutely absurda cross-cut surface, because we would not have addition if we were not are able to add microphones with dictionaries or as Lewis Carroll says, cabbages with kingsreceive such a cut. The sameness And this diversity is not in things but in the <i>mark</i> which makes very important as it possible to add explains many things with no consideration as to their differences. The mark has about the effect structure of rubbing out the difference, and this is the key to what happens to mental disease. If one can symbolize the subject, the unconscious subject in the repetition; because you know that by this subject repeats something peculiarly significant, the subject is here, for instancefundamental cut, in this obscure thing that we call in some cases trauma, or exquisite pleasure. What happens? If the &quot;thing&quot; exists in this symbolic structure, if this unitary trait is decisive, the trait of the sameness is here. In order same way one can show that the &quot;thing&quot; which is sought be here in you, it is necessary that the first trait be rubbed out because the trait itself is a modification. It is cut on a torus corresponds to the taking away of all differenceneurotic subject, and in this case, without the trait, the first &quot;thing:&quot; is simply lost. The key on a cross-cut surface to this insistence in repetition is that in its essence repetition as repetition another sort of the symbolical sameness is impossiblemental disease. In any case, the subject is the effect of I will not explain this repetition in as much as it necessitates the &quot;fading,&quot; the obliterationto you tonight, of the first foundation of the subject, which is why the subject, by status, is always presented as a divided essence. The trait, I insist, is identical, but it assures the difference only of identity&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;not by effect of sameness or difference but by the difference of identity. This is easy to understand: as we say in French, <i>je vous numérotte</i>, end this difficult talk I give you each a number; and this assures must make the fact that you are numerically different but nothing more than thatfollowing precision.
I have only considered the beginning of the series of the integers, because it is an intermediary point between language and reality. [[Language]] is constituted by the same sort of unitary traits that I have used to explain the one and the one more. But this trait in language is not identical with the unitary trait, since in language we have a collection of differential traits. In other words, we can say that language is constituted by a set of signifiers&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;for example,<i> ba, ta, pa</i>) etc., etc.&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp; a set which is finite. Each signifier is able to support the same process with regard to the subject, and it is very probable that the process of the integers is only a special case of this relation between signifiers. The definition of this collection of signifiers is that they constitute what I call the Other. The difference afforded by the existence of language is that each signifier (contrary to the unitary trait of the integer number) is, in most cases, not identical with itself&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;precisely because we have a collection of signifiers, and in this collection one signifier may or may not designate itself. This is well known and is the principle of Russell's [[paradox]]. If you take the set of all elements which are not members of themselves, the [[set]] that you constitute with such elements leads you to a paradox which, as you know, leads to a contradiction. In simple terms, this only means that in a universe of discourse nothing contains everything, and here you find again the gap that constitutes the subject. The [[subject]] is the introduction of a [[loss]] in [[reality]], yet nothing can introduce that, since by status [[reality]] is as full as possible. The notion of a [[loss]] is the effect afforded by the instance of the trait which is what, with the intervention of the [[letter]] you determine, places&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;say al, a2, a3&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and the places are spaces for a [[lack]]. When the [[subject]] takes the place of the [[lack]], a [[loss]] is introduced in the [[word]], and this is the definition of the [[subject]]. But to inscribe it, it is necessary to define it in a circle, what I call the [[otherness]], of the sphere of [[language]]. All that is [[language]] is lent from this [[otherness]] and this is why the [[subject]] is always a [[fading]] thing that runs under the [[chain]] of [[signifier]]s. For the definition of a [[signifier]] is that it represents a [[subject]] not for another [[subject]] but for another [[signifier]]. This is the only definition possible of the [[signifier]] as different from the [[sign]]. The [[sign]] is something that represents something for somebody, but the [[signifier]] is something that represents a [[subject]] for another [[signifier]]. The consequence is that the [[subject]] [[disappear]]s exactly as in the case of the two [[unitary trait]]s, while under the second [[signifier]] appears what is called [[meaning]] or [[signification]]; and then in sequence the other [[signifier]]s appear and other [[signification]]s.
What can we propose The question of [[desire]] is that the [[fading]] [[subject]] yearns to intuition in order to show that find itself again by means of some sort of encounter with this miraculous thing defined by the trait be found in something which [[phantasm]]. In its endeavor it is at the same time one or two? Consider the following diagram sustained by that which I call an inverted eight, after a well-known figure: </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 150%"><img src="moebius.gif" width="111" height="75"></p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%">You can see the [[lost object]] that the line I evoked in this instance may be considered either as one or as two lines. This diagram can be considered the basis of beginning&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;which is such a sort of essential inscription at the origin, in the knot which constitutes the subject. This goes much further than you might think at first, because you can search terrible thing for the sort of surface able to receive such inscriptionsimagination. You can perhaps see that the sphere, that old symbol for totality, That which is unsuitable. A torusproduced and maintained here, a Klein bottleand which in my vocabulary I call the [[object]], a crosslower-cut surfacecase, are able to receive such [[a cut. And this diversity ]], is very important well known by all [[psychoanalyst]]s as it explains many things about all [[psychoanalysis]] is founded on the structure [[existence]] of mental diseasethis peculiar [[object]]. If one can symbolize But the relation between this [[bar]]red [[subject by ]] with this fundamental cut, [[object]] (<i>[[a]]</i>) is the [[structure]] which is always found in the same way one can show [[phantasm]] which supports [[desire]] in as much as [[desire]] is only that a cut on a torus corresponds to which I have called the neurotic subject, and on a cross-cut surface to another sort [[metonomy]] of mental disease. I will not explain this to you tonight, but to end this difficult talk I must make the following precisionall [[signification]].
 I have only considered the beginning of the series of the integers, because it is an intermediary point between language and reality. Language is constituted by the same sort of unitary traits that I have used to explain the one and the one more. But this trait in language is not identical with the unitary trait, since in language we have a collection of differential traits. In other words, we can say that language is constituted by a set of signifiers&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;for example,<i> ba, ta, pa</i>) etc., etc.&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp; a set which is finite. Each signifier is able to support the same process with regard to the subject, and it is very probable that the process of the integers is only a special case of this relation between signifiers. The definition of this collection of signifiers is that they constitute what I call the Other. The difference afforded by the existence of language is that each signifier (contrary to the unitary trait of the integer number) is, in most cases, not identical with itself&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;precisely because we have a collection of signifiers, and in this collection one signifier may or may not designate itself. This is well known and is the principle of Russell's paradox. If you take the set of all elements which are not members of themselves, the set that you constitute with such elements leads you to a paradox which, as you know, leads to a contradiction. In simple terms, this only means that in a universe of discourse nothing contains everything, and here you find again the gap that constitutes the subject. The subject is the introduction of a loss in reality, yet nothing can introduce that, since by status reality is as full as possible. The notion of a loss is the effect afforded by the instance of the trait which is what, with the intervention of the letter you determine, places&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;say al, a2, a3&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;and the places are spaces for a lack. When the subject takes the place of the lack, a loss is introduced in the word, and this is the definition of the subject. But to inscribe it, it is necessary to define it in a circle, what I call the otherness, of the sphere of language. All that is language is lent from this otherness and this is why the subject is always a fading thing that runs under the chain of signifiers. For the definition of a signifier is that it represents a subject not for another subject but for another signifier. This is the only definition possible of the signifier as different from the sign. The sign is something that represents something for somebody, but the signifier is something that represents a subject for another signifier. The consequence is that the subject disappears exactly as in the case of the two unitary traits, while under the second signifier appears what is called meaning or signification; and then in sequence the other signifiers appear and other significations.  The question of desire is that the fading subject yearns to find itself again by means of some sort of encounter with this miraculous thing defined by the phantasm. In its endeavor it is sustained by that which I call the lost object that I evoked in the beginning&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp;which is such a terrible thing for the imagination. That which is produced and maintained here, and which in my vocabulary I call the object, lower-case, a, is well known by all psychoanalysts as all psychoanalysis is founded on the existence of this peculiar object. But the relation between this barred subject with this object (<i>a</i>) is the structure which is always found in the phantasm which supports desire in as much as desire is only that which I have called the metonomy of all signification. </p><p style="text-align: justify; line-height: 150%"><spacer size="20" type="horizontal" />In this brief presentation I have tried to show you what the question of the [[structure ]] is inside the [[psychoanalytical ]] [[reality]]. I have not, however, said anything about such dimensions as the [[imaginary ]] and the [[symbolical]]. It is, of course, absolutely essential to understand how the [[symbolic ]] [[order ]] can enter inside the<i>vécuvécu</i>, lived experienced, of [[mental ]] [[life]], but I cannot tonight put forth such an explanation. Consider, however, that which is at the same time the least known and the most certain fact about this [[mythical ]] [[subject ]] which is the sensible phase of the [[living ]] [[being]]: this fathomless thing capable of experiencing something between [[birth ]] and [[death]], capable of covering the whole spectrum of [[pain ]] and [[pleasure ]] in a [[word]], what in [[French ]] we call the <i>[[sujet ]] de la [[jouissance]]</i>. When I came here this evening I saw on the little neon sign the motto &quot;Enjoy Coca-Cola.&quot; It reminded me that in [[English]], I think, there is no term to designate precisely this enormous weight of [[meaning ]] which is in the [[French ]] [[word ]] <i>[[jouissance]]</i>&nbsp;&#8212;&nbsp; or in the [[Latin ]] <i>[[fruor]]</i>. In the dictionary I looked up <i>[[jouir]]</i> and found &quot;to possess, to use&quot; but it is not that at all. If the [[living ]] [[being ]] is something at all thinkable, it will be above all as [[subject ]] of the <i>[[jouissance]]</i>; but this [[psychological ]] [[law ]] that we call the [[pleasure principle ]] (and which is only the [[principle ]] of [[displeasure]]) is very soon to create a [[barrier ]] to all <i>jouissance</i>. If I am enjoying myself a little too much, I begin to feel [[pain ]] and I moderate my pleasures[[pleasure]]s. The organism seems made to avoid too much <i>[[jouissance]]</i>. Probably we would all be as quiet as oysters if it were not for this curious organization which forces us to disrupt the [[barrier ]] of [[pleasure ]] or perhaps only makes us [[dream ]] of forcing and disrupting this barrier. All that is elaborated by the [[subjective ]] [[construction ]] on the scale of the [[signifier ]] in its relation to the [[Other ]] and which has its root in [[language ]] is only there to permit the full spectrum of [[desire ]] to allow us to approach, to test, this sort of [[forbidden ]] <i>[[jouissance]]</i> which is the only valuable [[meaning ]] that is offered to our [[life]].
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