“To see oursels as others see us”

Abstract

BackgroundThis paper takes as its starting point the paper by Aubrey Lewis entitled “The psychopathology of insight” published in 1934, unreferenced.AimsTo attempt to explore the historical antecedents and consequences of this work.MethodSpeculative review.ResultsLewis's approach to phenomenology, contemporaneous movements in psychology and Lewis's own life and times – notably the eugenics legislation in Nazi Germany – probably shaped his conclusions. Modern concepts of insight, which emphasise neuropsychology as well as social psychology, were anticipated in Lewis's writings.ConclusionsThe concept of insight has stimulated research into difficult theoretical and practical areas such as self-awareness and treatment compliance, respectively. Concern over a patients capacity for insight has the potential to humanise psychiatry.