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- Between suspicion and distrust
The ethics of suspicion represents a sophisticated stance towards language and human communication. It is not a cynical rejection of others' words, but a deep understanding that language, by its very nature, always says more and less than it intends. It is a recognition of the layers of meaning that inhabit each expression, where what is said and what is intended don't always coincide, not through deception but through the inherent complexity of human communication. In contrast, distrust represents a more rigid and defensive position that assumes a priori the intention to deceive. This attitude not only impoverishes communication but closes the doors to the richness of meanings that can emerge in dialogue. While suspicion invites us to explore multiple possible meanings, distrust becomes stuck in the one-dimensional search for lies, missing the opportunity for deeper discoveries. The difference between these two stances has crucial implications for human understanding. The ethics of suspicion recognizes that what is said is always what can be said, limited by the boundaries of language and the unconscious. It is an invitation to listen not only to the words but also to their echoes, their shadows, and their silences. It seeks not to unmask lies, but to discover truths that reveal themselves precisely in the folds and fissures of discourse.
- The digital display case of being
Contemporary clinical practice confronts us with a new paradigm: the subject who has transformed their life into a continuous spectacle. We no longer encounter the former patient who hides their secrets under layers of repression, but one who compulsively exposes every facet of their existence. The act of living has merged with the act of showing, creating a new form of existence where experience isn't complete until it's shared, documented, and validated by the digital gaze. Each meal becomes a carefully composed photograph, each thought an immediate post, each emotion a status update. This new subject has turned social networks into a public confessional where absolution comes in the form of "likes" and comments. Intimacy has been replaced by calculated exhibition, where every private moment transforms into content for an invisible but omnipresent audience. The central paradox of this new subjectivity lies in its total dependence on the gaze of others. The individual exists only insofar as they are seen, recognized, and validated by others. Their sense of being is so intertwined with their audience's response that undocumented moments begin to feel like existential voids. The question "who am I?" has transformed into "how do they see me?", and the answer is always pending the next screen refresh.
- From modesty to digital exhibitionism
The evolution of our society has produced a radical transformation in how we present ourselves to others. We have transitioned from a culture of modesty and reserve to one of constant and voluntary exposure. The old fear of revealing too much has been replaced by an almost compulsive drive to share every thought, every meal, every intimate moment. This new way of existing is not so much a liberation as it is a new form of captivity. The need to be seen has created a modern paradox: the more we share, the less truly connected we feel. We publish our lives in real-time, exposing thoughts and emotions in search of connection and affection, but instead of cultivating deep friendships, we accumulate followers - passive spectators of our constant personal show. Quantity has replaced quality in our interactions, turning relationships into an exercise in digital arithmetic. These new rituals of exposure act as substitutes for true intimacy. Like saccharin that imitates the sweetness of sugar without providing nutrition, our digital interactions momentarily stimulate but do not nourish the soul. The "likes" and superficial comments produce a flash of satisfaction that quickly fades, leaving us with a deeper hunger for authentic connection, real understanding, and true intimacy.
- The spectator of one's own life
Contemporary clinical practice presents us with an increasingly common phenomenon: the individual who has ceased to be the protagonist of their own life narrative and has become a mere spectator. As if seated in the audience of their own play, they observe their life unfold through the digital screen, measuring their worth based on the response it generates in others. Direct experience has been replaced by its representation, and authenticity has dissolved in the constant pursuit of virtual approval. This displacement of the existential center of gravity, from the internal to the external, has generated a new form of emptiness. The contemporary subject finds themselves trapped in a cycle of emotional dependency where each action, each moment, each experience needs to be validated by the gaze of others to feel real. The absence of "likes" or comments translates into a sensation of nonexistence, as if reality itself depended on its confirmation in the digital mirror of social networks. The deepest consequence of this dynamic is the progressive loss of personal agency. The individual has surrendered the helm of their existence to an invisible but omnipresent audience, whose approval has become more important than lived experience itself. Moments of joy, sadness, or reflection don't feel complete until they are shared and validated, creating a form of existential paralysis where life is always experienced in delay, always through the filter of the other's gaze.
- Inner-outer worlds
Human suffering is complex, and many psychological struggles reflect harsh living conditions. These mental challenges aren’t just personal issues—they’re signs of larger problems in society. In trying to understand the human mind, psychoanalysis cannot ignore these outside influences. Focusing only on what’s inside a person, while ignoring the social environment, is like choosing not to see the full picture. Our inner lives and the world around us are deeply connected. A psychoanalytic approach that pushes social factors aside risks missing an essential part of the truth. For real healing and insight, we need a complete view. Recognizing the impact of social conditions on mental health allows psychoanalysis to grow into a more inclusive and socially aware practice. This blend of the personal and social helps create a better way to address human suffering. Further Reading Parker, I. y Pavón-Cuéllar, D. (2010) Psicoanálisis y Revolución , Pólvora.
- The essence of care
True care is rooted in presence, a profound connection that transcends mere physical proximity. It's about being fully engaged with another person, attuning to their needs, thoughts, and emotions. This presence manifests in attentive listening and meaningful dialogue, where words are not just heard but deeply understood. The healing power of such presence lies in its unconditional acceptance. When we are truly present for someone, we validate their existence and experiences without judgment. This creates a safe space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are, not for who others think they should be. By encouraging others to take their lives seriously, we empower them to embrace their own journey. This form of care doesn't seek to fix or change, but rather to support and nurture. It acknowledges the inherent worth and potential within each person, fostering self-reflection, growth, and a deeper connection with the singular truth of one's desires. Further Reading Nouwen, H. J. M. (1974). Out of solitude. Ava Maria Press.
- True hospitality
True hospitality is an art that extends beyond a mere act of welcoming; it embodies a deeper understanding of vulnerability and the complexities that accompany the presence of the foreigner. As Derrida articulates, authentic hospitality requires an openness to the unknown and an acknowledgment of the uncertainties that arise when encountering someone different from oneself (Derrida, 2000, p. 129). It challenges us to confront our preconceptions and the potential discomfort that may accompany the act of receiving another into our lives. Therefore hospitality is not merely about offering a space or a meal; it is about nurturing a relationship that respects the individuality and identity of the foreigner. Such hospitality invites us to break down barriers of familiarity and normalcy, embracing instead a shared humanity that recognizes the foreigner's unique experiences and perspectives. It compels us to consider how our own identities are enriched through this engagement with others. Ultimately, genuine hospitality transforms both the host and the guest, as it fosters dialogue and understanding. This encounter can lead to personal growth and a broader cultural memory, enriching our sense of community and connection. Thus, true hospitality is not only a welcome but a profound act of engagement that honors the complexities of human relationships and the invaluable lessons they embody. References Derrida, J. (2000). Of Hospitality . Stanford University Press.
- Messages of transformation
Symptoms are not mere signals of illness or dysfunction that need to be eliminated. They are significant manifestations that reflect both individual distress and social discomfort, simultaneously acting as messages about personal suffering and societal malaise. In the modern socio-cultural context, symptoms emerge as condensed conflicts that demand to be heard and understood in their complexity. The dialectical nature of symptoms makes them both an obstacle and an opportunity. They are not something to be immediately removed, but rather to be listened to and understood as a possibility for transformation. People seek help not simply because they have symptoms—all of us have them in a sick society—but because these symptoms become unbearable, signaling a potential moment for qualitative change. Symptoms are historical phenomena that operate on two levels: in the personal biography of each individual and in the overall structure of society. This dual nature makes them crucial indicators of social discomfort and potential catalysts for change. Transformative political action can emerge precisely from the understanding and articulation of these symptomatic messages about what can no longer continue as it is. Further Reading Parker, I. y Pavón-Cuéllar, D. (2010) Psicoanálisis y Revolución , Pólvora.
- Beyond adaptation
Non-adaptive radical psychoanalysis stands apart from conventional psychology and psychiatry practices, which aim to adjust the individual to their environment. Instead of reconciling a person to a given reality, this approach explores internal conflict at its roots, keeping in mind the social and structural context that shapes our lives. Far from a therapeutic goal centered on inner peace, this psychoanalysis presents a challenge: to go beyond simple self-reconciliation and alignment with the system. It questions how our psychology has been shaped by modern living conditions, showing that individual suffering cannot be separated from the structures that shape it. This non-adaptive approach invites us to see psychoanalysis as a practice of liberation. Rather than perpetuating adjustment, it opens up possibilities for personal and collective transformation, highlighting that we are not condemned to passively accept the current reality. Further Reading Parker, I. y Pavón-Cuéllar, D. (2010) Psicoanálisis y Revolución , Pólvora.
- A pending balance
The contemporary subject demonstrates a curious pattern: as corporate competition refines itself, our fundamental human connections dissolve into performance metrics. This isn't merely systemic efficiency but a profound displacement of relationship—where connection becomes transaction, and value becomes extraction. The paradox reveals itself in everyday exchanges: the more we optimize for professional advancement, the more we erode the very social fabric that sustains meaningful work. Clinical observation reveals two emerging adaptations: the competitive virtuoso who masters institutional navigation, accumulating capital in all its forms; and the depleted subject, worn down by constant evaluation against impossible standards. The most troubling insight emerges between these positions: both represent different strategies of survival within the same pathological system. The collective symptom manifests as numerical growth accompanied by experiential impoverishment. We measure everything except what matters: the capacity for empathy, collaboration, and community. The system's genius lies in converting even these values into performative metrics.























