(From "The ABC's of Ananlytical Trilogy" by CLAUDIA BERNHARDT DE SOUZA PACHECO, Ph.D.)

In opposition to Freudian belief, Keppe perceived that the true root of neurosis and psychosis is theomania — the hidden desire in all human hearts to be as powerful as a god. In severely psychotic individuals, the desire to be more powerful than God can be seen clearly.

Theomania manifests itself in different ways. In men, it most commonly appears as megalomania. In most cases, men try to exert power in society through money, intelligence and accomplishment. Thus, they work mainly to increase their personal wealth and the wealth of their business, not for the good of society.

In women, theomania usually manifests itself as narcisissm; that is, self-worship. Women think they enchant humanity just by being who they are. (Even though they may not be aware of this, deep down inside they believe it.) They demand to be admired and loved constantly, and to be judged, not for what they accomplish, but for who they are or even frequently, just for their bodies, as if they were muses of beauty or great sensuality.

Another way theomania manifests itself in the neurotic woman is through the power she exercises over the members of her family, acting as if she were some sort of overseer. Within her home she fulfills her desire to exploit, dominate, and commit emotional blackmail, raising children who are severely unbalanced and creating an unbearable environment.

A sick woman may even become more unpleasant than a sick man, since to accomplish more in life a man must do at least a little something that pleases others in order to be admired and accepted. He is obliged- to stop thinking about himself and work with reality.

This is why the homosexual is narcissistic and over-values his body, while the lesbian tends toward megalomania and strives to attain outstanding social, economic and intellectual prowess. Both compete with their rivals, whom they envy.

Theomania linked to envy is the underlying cause of all human ills and the basis of all other psychopathological problems. Contrary to what other schools of psychology believe, the root of such problems is not unconscious, genetic, organic, or purely social. Theomania may take on many different guises. The perfectionist suffers from it, for he can not stand to see defects in himself or others.

Often intransigent or fanatical, perfectionists give the appearance of being good and humble, but in fact they serve more as critics

rather than as agents of social development. Faced with their own shortcomings, they become so depressed they fall ill, yet they are always quick to point out the shortcomings of others.

Theomanic thinking goes as follows: "How could I, who am so perfect, make mistakes such as these!?" Unfortunately, society is organized in such a way as to allow the pathological tendencies of its members free rein. The resulting  vicious circle is practically withput solution if we do not become aware of the factors that cause it. Individuals create systems that feed their craziness. The result: a crazy society that helps to create more sick individuals. (Note, for example, the power that advertising has in alienating the people.)