Philosopher examines modern obsession
The philosopher Géraldine Mosna-Savoye has written an essay on a symptom of our time: the obsession. Her book, L’obsession, un régime intérieur, published by Éditions de l’Observatoire, explores the phenomenon through philosophical and cultural analysis. The work is described as both brilliant and enlightening, offering insights into the nature of obsession and its role in human creativity.Personal experience drives inquiry
Mosna-Savoye recounts a personal experience where she was unable to fall asleep, plagued by parasitic thoughts and the face of a work colleague. This experience led her to investigate the phenomenon of obsession, examining its emergence, composition, and persistence.Historical roots of the word
She notes that the term "obsession" first appeared in the Dictionnaire historique de la langue française in 1470 and has since become prevalent in modern language, with phrases such as "I'm obsessed with" or "it obsesses me" becoming commonplace.Diverse forms of obsession
The philosopher highlights that obsession is not a uniform concept, distinguishing between the obsessive behavior that leads to washing hands twenty times a day and that which leads to murder. Historically, obsession carried a negative connotation, often associated with sexual fixation, madness, or intoxication.Obsession and creativity
Mosna-Savoye acknowledges her own fear of obsessions leading her to commit irreparable actions, questioning the part of herself that emerges through obsession—a parasitic and fixed mode of thought over which she has no control. She argues against stigmatizing obsession, suggesting it is the origin of many great masterpieces.Influences and examples
She draws on the works of Freud, Valéry, and Deleuze to explore her subject, presenting a detailed and erudite analysis of obsession as a mode of thought that rhymes with creation. The book is available for purchase, with a price of 19,00€ from Amazon.
