“The goal of psychoanalysis is to turn neurotic misery into ordinary human unhappiness.”

Simplified Meaning:

Psychoanalysis aims to help people move from deep, overwhelming mental pain to more manageable, everyday problems. Imagine someone who is constantly stressed, worried, and upset about things they can't even understand. They might feel anxious all the time, can't sleep, or find it hard to enjoy life. Through psychoanalysis, a therapist helps that person understand the root causes of their intense feelings and anxieties. This understanding can help reduce their mental suffering to a level of normal sadness or frustration that comes with everyday life. For example, after therapy, they might still feel sad if they lose their job, but they won’t spiral into a deep depression. Essentially, it's about making life challenges feel more normal and less overwhelming so they can cope better and feel more in control.