On Puritanical Character

In her last work, Neurosis and Human Growth, Karen Horney enriches her earlier description of the strategy of “moving against” by pointing out the “solution of mastery” that goes along with it (the identification of the individual with the glorified self-image), and she proceeds to point out three subtypes within that general personality style: the perfectionist, the arrogant-vindictive, and the narcissistic.1

She characterizes the perfectionist as an individual who feels superior because of his high moral and intellectual standards and, on this basis, looks down on others. Unlike the narcissistic type, who beclouds the issue of unfulfilled “shoulds,” the perfectionist makes strenuous efforts to measure up to his standards by fulfilled duties and obligations, by polite and orderly manners, by not telling obvious lies, etc. Horney regards characteristics such as meticulous order, punctuality and punctiliousness, and the need to find just the right word, or necktie, as only superficial aspects of a need to attain the highest degree of excellence.

It is the intent of this paper to pursue further the delineation of the perfectionistic syndrome, which has been observed again and again by novelists and encountered by historians but has received negligible attention from psychologists.

A clear description of perfectionism was given by Wilhelm Reich in his Character Analysis. Curiously, he did not postulate the existence of a generalized syndrome, but limited himself to a description of a case of “aristocratic character,” which he discusses in support of some general ideas on the function of character. He describes his patient as having a “reserved countenance” and being “serious and somewhat arrogant”; “his measured noble stride caught one's attention…. It was evident he avoided-or concealed-and hate or excitement…. His speech was well-phrased and balanced, soft and eloquent.” As he lay on the couch, “there was very little if any change in his composure and refinement.”2.^pp.