Discretion

the problem of analytical discretion. As soon as one touches the uniqueness of the partner in an analysis, discretion is imposed… if the uniqueness is touched upon it is natural never to talk about it to a third person.

Von Franz argues that genuine analytical discretion is not a conventional rule but an organic response to encountering the unrepeatable uniqueness of the other, directly analogous to the protective secrecy of the alchemical coniunctio.

von Franz, Marie-Louise, Alchemy: An Introduction to the Symbolism and the Psychology, 1980thesis

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Discretion in particular had been considered the essential sign of the true spiritual master since the times of Anthony the Great.

The Praktikos establishes discretion as the primary criterion of authentic spiritual authority in the desert tradition, a fruit of asceticism and purity rather than of learning.

Evagrius Ponticus, Praktikos, 2009thesis

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Cassian’s discretion was typical of the steady attempt to give spirituality a stable base, and not to let it soar so high that it lost touch with real men and women.

Cassian’s discretion is characterized as the regulative disposition that prevents contemplative spirituality from dissolving into impractical fanaticism, grounding it in the ordinary conditions of human life.

John Cassian, Conferences, 426thesis

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Medical-secrecy is a noble ethical principle. It safeguards the dignity of the person and, at the same time, elevates disease itself by regarding it as belonging to a person’s fate, part of his tragedy and something to respect.

Hillman situates analytical secrecy within the broader tradition of medical discretion, arguing that protecting intimate disclosure honors the patient’s existential dignity and the tragic character of illness.

Hillman, James, Suicide and the Soul, 1964supporting

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The gap in the dream is a praiseworthy piece of discretion and will certainly please the prudish reader, but it is not science. Science admits no such considerations of decency.

Jung uses ‘discretion’ ironically to criticize the editorial suppression of sexually significant dream material, arguing that scientific integrity must override conventional decorum.

Jung, C.G., Collected Works Volume 4: Freud and Psychoanalysis, 1961supporting

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The gap in the dream is a praiseworthy piece of discretion and will certainly please the prudish reader, but it is not science.

An early formulation of Jung’s critique of prudential omission in clinical reporting, framing discretion as an obstacle to rigorous psychological investigation.

Jung, C. G., Collected Works Volume 1: Psychiatric Studies, 1902supporting

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spirit of discretion, 228n divine, 26

An index reference in Alchemical Studies places discretion among the named spirits of the alchemical tradition, hinting at its metaphysical valence within that symbolic system.

Jung, Carl Gustav, Alchemical Studies, 1967aside

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all things are good in their proper time and measure, while things lacking measure and out of place are noxious.

The Philokalia frames right discernment — the recognition of proper time and measure — as the practical content of discretion in the hesychast context, opposing demonic deception with measured spiritual judgment.

Palmer, G. E. H. and Sherrard, Philip and Ware, Kallistos (trs.), The Philokalia, Volume 4, 1995aside

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