Man is a paradoxical creature. When applied to psychology, this means that opposing opinions are equally true and appearances are no more deceptive than the hidden essence. Using methods from depth psychology, which emphasizes human contradictions, Zurich-based psychiatrist and analyst Adolf Guggenbühl-Craig, MD, explores phenomena such as incest, creativity, independence, sexuality, fatherhood, violence and nationalism.

The author radically revises some modern dogmas, believing that only a creative attitude to paradoxes and recognition of one's own limitations are the key to true self-improvement.