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It is proposed that in the paranoid-schizoid position, the unconscious is governed both by “tit for tat,” the Talion Law, as well as “quid pro quo,” its inverse The “quid pro quo” attitude, also related to enlightened self interest, has to do with a measured and equal repayment of favours. This attitude differs from the attitude of love freely given and freely received of the depressive position. A linkage rule is proposed in defining a “quid pro quo” attitude if the object of the ego's desire does not reciprocate with an equal payment of “love,” then the ego is obliged to retaliate with an equal withdrawal of cathexis. If such a retaliatory response (conscious or unconscious) is not the forthcoming attitude, the subject has likely entered the depressive position. Clinical examples are offered. Quid pro quo is seen as part of the paranoid-schizoid position as well as a failed attempt to reach true reconciliation with the object.
And thine eye shall not pity; (but) life (shall go) for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Susan: You never gave me anything in your whole life! You just tried to buy me so that I should give to you.
There has to be an equal and measured relationship based on mistrust—not on a relationship of trust.