“Every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. His ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.”
— Sigmund Freud
Simplified Meaning:
Everyone has moments where they might act or think in ways that aren't completely typical or 'normal.' Imagine a person who is generally calm and collected but sometimes gets very angry over small things, just like anyone else might lose their temper. This quote suggests that these less typical behaviors are part of being human. For example, you might know someone who is usually very rational but sometimes has irrational fears, like being afraid of the dark. That's because everyone, to some degree, has quirks and flaws that might make them act unusually in certain situations. The key takeaway is that it's perfectly natural to have parts of our personality that aren't always entirely average. Knowing this helps us be more understanding of ourselves and others, realizing that no one is perfectly 'normal' all the time. By recognizing our own and others' occasional oddities, we can become more empathetic and accepting.