The Hook of Projection

When we consider a subject’s projection onto an object, and interpret the projection on a subjective level, we find the following characteristics:

The interpretation on the subjective level should not, of course, be carried to extremes.

It is simply a question of a rather more critical examination of what is pertinent and what is not.

Something that strikes me about the object may very well be a real property of that object.

But the more subjective and emotional this impression is, the more likely it is that the property will be a projection.

Yet here we must make a not unimportant distinction: between the quality actually present in the object, without which a projection could not take place, and the value, significance, or energy of this quality.

It is not impossible for a quality to be projected upon the object of which the object shows barely any trace in reality (for instance, the primitive projection of magical qualities into inanimate objects).

But it is different with the ordinary projection of traits of character or momentary attitudes.

Here it frequently happens that the object offers a hook to the projection, and even lures it out.

This is generally the case when the object himself (or herself) is not conscious of the quality in question: in that way it works directly upon the unconscious of the projicient.

Collected Works 8

General Aspects of Dream Psychology

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