An inferiority complex, often used to mean low self-esteem, is a feeling of intense insecurity, inferiority or of not measuring up. An inferiority complex can be seen in the negative or "useless" reactions to problems in life. These reactions are useless because they do not solve the problem at hand, but only serve to guard one's self-esteem by avoiding the task or by placing the blame for the failure outside of the individual's control. Although the inferiority complex may be seen as comparing individuals or groups as one being superior to another, it more closely describes how one deals with a fear of failure.
Alfred Adler described an inferiority complex as when "the feeling of inferiority is highly intensified to the degree that the child believes that he will never be able to compensate for his weakness".
Read more about Inferiority Complex: Classifications, Causes
Famous quotes containing the words inferiority complex, inferiority and/or complex:
“Their Europeanism is nothing but imperialism with an inferiority complex.”
—Denis Healey (b. 1917)
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“I have met charming people, lots who would be charming if they hadn’t got a complex about the British and everyone has pleasant and cheerful manners and I like most of the American voices. On the other hand I don’t believe they have any God and their hats are frightful. On balance I prefer the Arabs.”
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