32: Anticipation

Anticipation is a mechanism by which an individual predicts possible future events and considers how he will react to them. The author disagrees with characterization of anticipation as an ego defense, because defenses are by definition blind and unconscious, and anticipation is the perfect opposite. Rather he considers it to be a coping mechanism that enables an individual to prepare in advance for emotional challenges that he is able to anticipate.

Anticipation is usually the sign of a mind that is not only healthy, but well developed in its ability to reason and remain objective. However, it can become a form of self-deception if the future-vision is flawed or skewed (favorably or unfavorably) or the individual inaccurately predicts his reaction (again, for better or for worse) and by so doing expects himself to be easily able to react in a situation that is unlikely to occur.

The philosophical imperative to "know thyself" is advocating for anticipation, though the two-word adage must be amended - one must know thyself as he truly is, and see the future as it likely will be, in order to successfully anticipate and prepare. To do otherwise is not only unproductive, but self-deceiving.