The Characteristic Neurotic Need

The original Freudian vision explains neurosis as an interference with instinctual life. Although this view now has little support, it has the merit of pointing out that neurosis is an almost universal phenomenon.

Claudio Naranjo agreed with Karen Horney's idea that neurosis is a distorted way of seeing the world and oneself, determined by compulsive needs rather than a genuine interest in the world as it is. Horney proposed that neurosis is transmitted to the child from an early age in different ways. Upon reaching adulthood, the person determines particular "solutions" to deal with internal conflicts and vulnerabilities through expansive mechanisms (which express symptoms of narcissism, perfectionism, and revenge), self-indulgent and compulsively satisfying behaviors (which demonstrate symptoms of need or codependency), or resigned mechanisms (with schizoid tendencies).

According to Horney's ideas, both mild anxiety disorders and personality disorders generally fall into her basic scheme of neurosis as variations in degrees of severity and individual dynamics.

There are numerous neurotic needs that affect the functioning of the Sexual 1, but here we will focus on those indicated by Claudio Naranjo: Vehemence and Zeal.

Oscar Ichazo used the term "zeal" to refer to the passion characteristic of Sexual 1. Among a variety of potential meanings, particularly related to the animal world, we use it here in a broader sense, analogous to the intensity with which an animal pursues the object of its instinct. This internal drive can be a bit radical and, in general, bets less on real change than on immediate and absolute realization. Thus, we can say that the Sexual 1 is characterized by a special intensity in relation to their desires, which become urgent and vehement. If we want to understand why anger gives rise to this zeal behind the action, we can say that it reinforces the desire and gives it aggressiveness.

"When I was young, I was shy. I accumulated a lot of frustration, and there was a moment when it erupted like a volcano. I remember a holiday with friends in Salou when I was 19. One of the groups had fun playing with me. Suddenly, in the middle of an outdoor dinner, I couldn't contain myself and attacked him. I didn't touch him, but I made him tremble. When my outburst of anger subsided, the boy was devastated, and the group of friends, as such, never recovered from that scene. It broke completely."

— Patrick Genard

"The relationship with my father, an E8, was a real battle. I felt the need to confront him about anything. I also discovered the strength in my hands and arms, from so much aggressiveness accumulated over the years wanting to repay every blow he gave me."

— Isabel Herrera

The fortitude acquired, combined with a particular intensity, forcefully impels the person to seek the fulfillment of their desires. In addition, this person experiences a sense of entitlement to their own satisfaction.

"During a weekend workshop, my ex-partner, who seemed very angry that I would never be in a relationship with him again, threw a jug of water at me. I saw everything as if I were in slow motion: I was sitting and looking at the empty wine bottle that was on the table in front of me. My knee-jerk reaction was to smash the bottle on his head. But I backed off."

— Isabel Herrera

This vehemence of action derives from a conviction of the right to dominate and conquer. There are several examples of collective manifestations of this type in history, and Claudio Naranjo cites some of them, such as the total and brutal exclusion of the rights of black people in Africa to exploit diamond mines, as white men placed themselves as superior and, therefore, entitled to exploit them. Another example is the Spanish and Portuguese conquests in the Americas, where these countries robbed and killed in the name of Christianity. Another is seen in the occupation of the western parts of the United States,

during the Louisiana Purchase, with little or no regard for the rights and lives of the indigenous peoples who had populated these regions for so long.

"But on a more personal level, that spirit also manifests itself in the spirit of the girl who, in order to survive, made a deal with the potential warrior in her to take her place in the world of the violent father." — Isabel Herrera

The vehemence observed in this type of aggressiveness is based on the belief that such behavior is justified, either by a supposed personal right or by the desire to do good for others. In some cases, one might think they are contributing to the well-being of humanity as a whole.

However, at its core, such an attitude is fundamentally exploitative. While this behavior can often be presented as altruistic or justified, it can also be delusional, hypocritical, and a form of self-exculpation. In this context, the neurotic refusal to follow rules or accept limitations is not always negative and can have a constructive aspect. An almost obsessive-compulsive desire to make the world a better place is manifested, which is reflected in the conviction that improvement must begin with the people themselves, who should aspire to the realization of the "high ideals" proposed.

"For many years, I separated the world between those who struggled to achieve a 'greater goal' and those who did not—the losers. Observing an apparent humility and lack of ambition generated in me contempt for that person, not considering them worthy of my support or promotion to a higher position in the company's hierarchy."

— Jurgen Kramer