[Author's note: LLMs were used to generate and sort examples into their requisite categories, as well as find and summarize relevant papers, and extensive assistance with editing]

Context: Alfred Adler (1870–1937) split from Freud by asserting that human psychology is teleological (goal-oriented) rather than causal (drive-based). He argued that neuroses and "excuses" are not passive symptoms of past trauma, but active, creative tools used by the psyche to safeguard self-esteem. This post attempts to formalize Adler's concept of "Safeguarding Tendencies" into categories, not by the semantic content of excuses, but by their mechanical function in managing the distance between the Ego and Reality.

Abstract: When a life task threatens to reveal inadequacy, people initiate a strategic maneuver to invalidate the test. We propose four "Strategies of Immunity", Incapacity, Entanglement, Elevation, and Scorched Earth, to explain how agents rig the game so they cannot lose.

The Teleological Flip

In the standard model of behavior, an excuse is a result. You are anxious; therefore, you cannot socialize. The cause (anxiety) produces the effect (avoidance).

Adler inverted this vector. He argued that the goal (avoiding the risk of rejection) recruits the means (anxiety). You generate the anxiety in order to avoid [...]

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Outline:

(01:15) The Teleological Flip

(02:17) 1. Immunity via Incapacity (the broken wing)

(03:45) 2. Immunity via Entanglement (the human shield)

(05:14) 3. Immunity via Elevation (the ivory tower)

(06:39) 4. Immunity via Scorched Earth (the table flip)

(08:07) Conclusion: The Courage to be Imperfect

(12:52) Relevant works:

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First published:
December 8th, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/kdG4T9jtETYe8Hkkg/towards-categorization-of-adlerian-excuses

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“Towards Categorization of Adlerian Excuses” by romeostevensit

LessWrong (30+ Karma)