Singing an ethical tune: Literary voices for nourishing a life of non-indifference

Reviews the book Nourishing the Inner Life of Clinicians and Humanitarians: The Ethical Turn in Psychoanalysis by Donna M. Orange (see record 2016-07087-000). This book fits with recent publications examining an ethical turn within psychoanalysis and explores the implications of Emmanuel Levinas’s philosophy for clinical practice. Orange reaffirms the Levinasian call for a radical ethics of responsibility and hospitality but advances the inevitable question to arise from the impossibly high standard of this philosophy: Is it masochistic? Orange’s present work addresses this very concern, paying special heed to our limitations and needs for nourishment along the arduous journey of clinical practice and humanitarian service. To do this, she draws upon great literature, philosophy, and historical biographies for inspiration and ethical guidance and frames these voices as part of her inner chorus. Along the way, she makes important distinctions regarding the differences between radical ethical responsibility and moral masochism, useless and useful suffering, and ethical and neurotic guilt. Indebted to philosophical ideas, the book contains terminology used in ways unfamiliar to many psychologists. However, Orange clearly defines terms, provides ample, concrete examples, and writes in a highly accessible style. Graduate students and seasoned professionals seeking to augment their language for and understanding of the ethical nature of clinical practice and humanitarian work will find this work enriching and inspiring. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)