Some split between the inner world and outer world is common to all behaviour, and the need to bridge the gap is the source of creative behaviour.
Anthony StorrWhether a belief is considered to be a delusion or not depends partly upon the intensity with which it is defended, and partly upon the numbers of people subscribing to it.
Anthony StorrThe word "jealousy" is often used as if it were synonymous with envy; but I think the distinction worth preserving. Jealousy is predominantly concerned with the fear of loss of something one possesses, envy with the wish to own something another possesses. Othello suffers from the fear that he has lost Desdemona's love. Iago suffers from envy of the position held by Cassio, to which he feels entitled.
Anthony StorrThe human spirit is not indestructible; but a courageous few discover that, when in hell, they are granted a glimpse of heaven.
Anthony StorrIt is only when we no longer compulsively need someone that we can have a real relationship with them.
Anthony StorrIf creative work protects a man against mental illness, it is small wonder that he pursues it with avidity; and even if the state of mind he is seeking to avoid is no more than a mild state of depression or apathy, this still constitutes a cogent reason for engaging in creative work even when it brings no obvious external benefit in its train.
Anthony Storr