Skip therapy and take your (or someone else’s) kids to the movie!

I love when things have a dual purpose: it satisfies my type A personality who needs to be multitasking at all times.

In yesterday’s NYT, I read David Brooks’ intriguing column. He wrote about the idea that philosophy essentially gives one character to an individual vs. psychology where individuals can have multiple personalities. He illustrates the theory with the new Spike Jonze’s movie: Where the wild things are.

I have adored reading it to my children but was dubious that a book so short could be made into a movie. After reading Brooks, I am happy to say that I now accept having multiple personalities -welcoming my type B side. But also that this article was one of the most interesting movie critic -that wasn’t supposed to be one- and will run to the movies with my kids !

Extract of David Brooks Column: “The philosopher’s view is shaped like a funnel. At the bottom, there is a narrow thing called character. And at the top, the wide ways it expresses itself. The psychologist’s view is shaped like an upside-down funnel. At the bottom, there is a wide variety of unconscious tendencies that get aroused by different situations. At the top, there is the narrow story we tell about ourselves to give coherence to life.

The difference is easy to recognize on the movie screen. Most movies embrace the character version. The hero is good and conquers evil. Spike Jonze’s new movie adaptation of “Where the Wild Things Are” illuminates the psychological version.” see the NYT for more.