A problem is only insoluble to the sufferer; to others, it may have a comic or exasperating simplicity. It occurred to me that at this juncture I had become locked in, like one of my wretched patients for whom the moment for an easy solution has passed. I couldn't go forward in my life – whatever remained of it – until I had a better understanding of what was past. This was the 'hard work' that as a young therapist I had glibly recommended to my patients; but for me it seemed better to turn to the old standbys: denial, sensual pleasure or a change of subject – to Newton, or Matthew Arnold.
The quote reflects on the nature of problems, suggesting that what may seem insurmountable to someone experiencing them can appear simple to outsiders. The narrator realizes that they have become trapped in their own struggles, similar to how some of their patients feel. This acknowledgment leads to the understanding that one must confront their past to move forward in life, emphasizing the challenge of self-reflection and growth.
The narrator's admission reveals the irony in the advice previously given to patients, as they now find themselves avoiding the very hard work they once championed. Instead of facing their issues, they catch themselves leaning toward distractions and comforting escapes, symbolized by references to denial and literary figures. This highlights the complexity of human experiences and the difficulty of tackling personal demons, despite recognizing the necessity of such efforts.
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