I just wanted to mention that I'm enjoying this discussion immensely.

I just have a couple of ideas I'd like to toss into the fray. First, about the "contradictions" that we find in life. It seems to me that the world itself is rather seamless; the contradictions that I seem to find are in my perceptions of that world. It's only when I try to apply language to my experiences that things start to break apart.

Second, as far as the "Freud vs Pharmaceuticals" discussion, why discard the possibility that both have their place and can be of use when correctly applied. As I see it, problems arise when a singular revelation (or two) get expanded into a grand theorem. Although I know it's difficult to sell just a "little bit of wisdom", it seems that mistakes arise when you try to pump up an idea and apply it in too many situations and circumstances. There are people who were helped by Freudian practitioners as well as people who were horribly misserved. You can say the same for electro-shock and drug therapy over the years. You can say it about religion or about Miss Manners, too, if you'd like. "One size fits all" does not work in this world. Never did. Never will. Hopefully.