Einstein, Tomkins, Darwin and *Hiding Out*.......

• Responses to First Learning about Affect Theory by Jim Duffy a.k.a. J.C.D., 2/28/97
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    • Glad You're Curious, Too, C.H. by Jim Duffy, 3/15/97
      
      

Jim, I understand your dilemma about possibly taking on too much.... I also join you in your admiration for Albert Einstein (he had heart!). Apparently AE did get a little uneasy with the probability aspect of quantum theory...but that's OK...I can dig that---I'd like things a bit more predictable too. Like you I get concerned about "Am I too wrapped up in theories?" Sometimes I use studying theories as a way to "hide out," which is kind of the way I'm feeling right now.

I don't know much about Tomkins except, that as Don points out, he was a super genius, and there was apparently quite a time lapse between his publications. When I first heard about Tomkins ten years ago (I've been into Gershen Kaufman's shame work for ten years and he credits Tomkins), I projected a story onto this time lapse. I said to myself, "He was probably hiding under the bed!" trying to get away from attacks by Freudians.

I heard just the other day that after publication of _Origin of the Species_, Darwin started having panic attacks and agoraphobia and hesitated to leave the house (under the bed?). I can project on to Darwin's experience too. I'm pretty scared about the Work Abuse book coming out in three or four weeks....one client, who has used the book in manuscript form said, "Do you know what you are doing? You are taking on the entire corporate work world!" Yeah, I know.....When it comes right down to it, I'm a pretty chicken change agent (embarrassed smile).

I look forward to learning more about backed up affect. It may clarify and give me more elegant language to describe what I have up to now called "old pain" as distinguished from "new pain." I look forward to more....thank you, Jim. Best, Chauncey.

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