NOTES ON "THE DISCOVERY OF THE SPONTANEOUS MAN"

Abstract

In the August 1955 issue of GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY appeared J. L. Moreno's lecture on the spontaneous man. A provocative article for several reasons which merits considerable attention for what it says, as well as for what it implies. In these few remarks, we shall, first of all, briefly discuss the specific contributions of this article, and next, delve into some consideration of the general context in which Moreno's discussion acquires a generalized meaning. The article itself consists of four interrelated parts. It opens with an introduction which, the author himself points out, may be seen "seemingly fantastic" (p. 104). The second part includes remarks on the utilization of psychodrama tic techniques among children; it specifies some of the most effective techniques (mainly role reversal); and it continues with a fascinating account of a "case-study" conducted in Moreno's own home with Jonathan Moreno as protagonist, and his parents in the roles of auxiliary egos