EB

Eric Berne

52quotes

Eric Berne


Full Name and Common Aliases


Eric Lindell Berne was a psychiatrist and therapist best known by his pen name, Eric Berne.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on July 10, 1910, in San Francisco, California, USA. He passed away on June 15, 1970, at the age of 59.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Berne was an American psychiatrist and therapist who primarily focused on developing Transactional Analysis (TA), a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and communication patterns.

Early Life and Background


Eric Berne grew up in San Francisco with his parents, Louis and Clara Berne. His early life was marked by struggles at home due to his father's strictness and temperamental nature. These experiences likely influenced Berne's later work on transactional analysis and the role of parenting in shaping children's personalities.

Major Accomplishments


Berne made significant contributions to the field of psychotherapy, introducing Transactional Analysis as a practical tool for understanding human behavior and relationships. He developed three main ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child, which form the foundation of TA. His work aimed to help individuals recognize and change their negative patterns and become more effective communicators.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Berne's notable works include:

"Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy" (1961): This book introduced Transactional Analysis as a therapeutic approach, explaining the three ego states and how they influence behavior.
 "Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships" (1964): Written under his pen name Eric Berne, this bestseller explores common games people play in relationships and offers strategies for improvement.

Impact and Legacy


Eric Berne's work on Transactional Analysis has had a lasting impact on the field of psychotherapy. His theories have been applied in various settings, including education, business, and healthcare. Many therapists and counselors continue to use TA principles to help clients improve their communication skills and relationships.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Eric Berne is widely quoted for his insightful observations on human behavior and relationships. His work offers practical advice on how to recognize and change negative patterns, making him a respected authority in the field of psychotherapy. As a pioneer in Transactional Analysis, he has inspired numerous researchers and practitioners who have built upon his ideas.

Berne's legacy extends beyond his written works; his theories continue to influence contemporary thought leaders and therapists. His emphasis on personal responsibility, effective communication, and self-awareness remains relevant today, making him an enduring figure in the world of psychology and relationships.

Quotes by Eric Berne

Eric Berne's insights on:

At the end of the party, each person will have selected certain players he would like to see more of, while others he will discard, regardless of how skillfully or pleasantly they each engaged in the pastime. The ones he selects are those who seem the most likely candidates for more complex relationships – that is, games. This sorting system, however well rationalized, is actually largely unconscious and intuitive.
"
At the end of the party, each person will have selected certain players he would like to see more of, while others he will discard, regardless of how skillfully or pleasantly they each engaged in the pastime. The ones he selects are those who seem the most likely candidates for more complex relationships – that is, games. This sorting system, however well rationalized, is actually largely unconscious and intuitive.
EB
There is no hope for the human race, but there is hope for individual members of it.
"
There is no hope for the human race, but there is hope for individual members of it.
EB
Raising” children is primarily a matter of teaching them what games to play. Different cultures and different social classes favor different types of games, and various tribes and families favor different variations of these. That is the cultural significance of games.
"
Raising” children is primarily a matter of teaching them what games to play. Different cultures and different social classes favor different types of games, and various tribes and families favor different variations of these. That is the cultural significance of games.
EB
Salesman: ‘This one is better, but you can’t afford it.’ Housewife: ‘That’s the one I’ll take.
"
Salesman: ‘This one is better, but you can’t afford it.’ Housewife: ‘That’s the one I’ll take.
EB
It is not difficult to deduce from an individual’s position the kind of childhood he must have had. Unless something or somebody intervenes, he spends the rest of his life stabilizing his position and dealing with situations that threaten it: by avoiding them, warding off certain elements or manipulating them provocatively so that they are transformed from threats into justifications.
"
It is not difficult to deduce from an individual’s position the kind of childhood he must have had. Unless something or somebody intervenes, he spends the rest of his life stabilizing his position and dealing with situations that threaten it: by avoiding them, warding off certain elements or manipulating them provocatively so that they are transformed from threats into justifications.
EB
A game looks like a set of operations, but after the payoff it becomes apparent that these operations were really maneuvers; not honest requests but moves in the game.
"
A game looks like a set of operations, but after the payoff it becomes apparent that these operations were really maneuvers; not honest requests but moves in the game.
EB
Spontaneity means option, the freedom to choose and express one’s feelings from the assortment available.
"
Spontaneity means option, the freedom to choose and express one’s feelings from the assortment available.
EB
To hurry is to neglect that environment and to be conscious only of something that is still out of sight down the road, or of mere obstacles, or solely of oneself.
"
To hurry is to neglect that environment and to be conscious only of something that is still out of sight down the road, or of mere obstacles, or solely of oneself.
EB
A game is played from a position, but a position or its corresponding attitude is not a game.
"
A game is played from a position, but a position or its corresponding attitude is not a game.
EB
Cowboy: ‘Come and see the barn.’ Visitor: ‘I’ve loved barns ever since I was a little girl.
"
Cowboy: ‘Come and see the barn.’ Visitor: ‘I’ve loved barns ever since I was a little girl.
EB
Showing 1 to 10 of 52 results