“Neurosis is the inability to tolerate ambiguity.”

Simplified Meaning:

When people have neurosis, they struggle with uncertainties and situations that aren't clear-cut. Imagine you're waiting for important news about a job—some people might be anxious but would still manage day-to-day activities. However, someone with neurosis might constantly worry, unable to focus on anything else because they can't handle not knowing the outcome right away. This means that not knowing or having unclear information makes them very uncomfortable. For example, a student who doesn't know what questions will be on an exam might panic and overthink every possible scenario to the point where it affects their sleep and mood. To handle this better, learning to accept that not everything in life can be certain can be helpful. Practicing patience and focusing on what can be controlled, like preparing for the exam thoroughly, can reduce unnecessary stress. This approach helps people deal with uncertainty more healthily and stops them from becoming overwhelmed.