Karen Horney wrote about alienation from oneself, the tyranny of internal “shoulds,” and the search for one’s true self. In 2025, while editing this text during a full-scale crisis, I realized: she was writing about us
The meaning is bitter and true. Just like chocolate.
This book by Karen Gornay (in Ukrainian) explores how we become our own harshest critics. Written in 1950, it reads as if it were speaking directly to us today. About pride, which both protects and destroys. About the inner tyranny of “must,” which wears us down more than any external demand. About how to return to your true self, if you even remember who that is.
I edited this text by a brilliant rebel in the field of psychoanalysis. I was responsible for ensuring terminological accuracy and adherence to the psychoanalytic tradition. I wrote scholarly notes—over 75,000 characters—and a foreword—over 38,000 characters.
Neurosis and Human Development.
The Thorny Path to Self-Actualization
490 UAH
+ shipping cost via Nova Poshta
I’m giving the first 20 customers a personal gift of chocolate. Since we’re talking about a neurosis rooted in the tyranny of “should,” a system of pride, and the search for one’s true self, I’ve chosen high-quality dark chocolate as a gift. Gornaya doesn’t promise jam; she promises honesty. So the chocolate has to live up to that.
I’m also including a greeting card with the book. Warning: it might just come true.
How to get the book?
1. Pay 490 UAH using the following details:
Individual Entrepreneur Tetyana Oleksiyivna Stanislavska
Recipient Code: 2650815605
Account: UA713052990000026009030109845
Reference: Karen Horney’s book, your last name.
2. Send the receipt to me on Telegram, specifying:
– city;
– Nova Poshta tracking number;
– phone number and last name of the recipient.
3. Wait for delivery.