Meaning: Norman Mailer, an American novelist, playwright, and journalist, once said, "Obsession is the single most wasteful human activity, because with an obsession you keep coming back and back and back to the same question and never get an answer." This quote reflects the detrimental nature of obsession, highlighting how it can consume an individual's time and energy without yielding any resolution or fulfillment. In this context, Mailer suggests that fixation on a particular issue or question can lead to a perpetual cycle of seeking answers without ever achieving a sense of closure or satisfaction.

Obsession is a powerful and compelling force that can drive individuals to persistently dwell on a specific idea, desire, or goal. While dedication and determination are often celebrated traits, obsession differs in that it involves an unhealthy and unrelenting fixation that can hinder personal growth and well-being. The quote by Mailer underscores the futility of such behavior, emphasizing the repetitive nature of obsession and its failure to provide resolution.

Mailer's assertion about the wastefulness of obsession resonates with the experiences of many individuals who have found themselves trapped in cycles of relentless preoccupation. Whether it pertains to a personal ambition, a past trauma, a relationship, or an unanswerable question, the pursuit of resolution through obsession can become all-consuming, leading to a sense of stagnation and frustration. The repetitive nature of returning "back and back and back to the same question" illustrates the unproductive pattern that often characterizes obsession.

Moreover, Mailer's statement implies that the pursuit of answers through obsession can be endless and ultimately fruitless. This can be particularly relevant in the context of philosophical or existential inquiries, where individuals may grapple with fundamental questions about existence, purpose, and the nature of reality. The inability to find closure or certainty despite persistent fixation can lead to a sense of disillusionment and a waste of valuable time and mental energy.

From a psychological perspective, Mailer's quote aligns with the concept of rumination, which refers to the tendency to repetitively focus on one's distress and the causes and consequences of that distress. Research in psychology has shown that rumination, akin to obsession, can exacerbate negative emotions and undermine problem-solving efforts. Individuals who engage in obsessive rumination may find themselves trapped in a cycle of unproductive thought patterns, unable to break free from the relentless pursuit of answers that remain elusive.

In a broader societal context, the quote also speaks to the potential pitfalls of collective obsessions, whether they manifest as cultural fixations, ideological fervor, or persistent societal dilemmas. The cyclical nature of returning to the "same question and never getting an answer" can be observed in historical and contemporary contexts, where societies grapple with enduring issues that resist easy resolution. Whether it involves political disputes, social injustices, or scientific enigmas, the futility of obsessive collective pursuits is evident in the ongoing cycles of debate and contention without definitive solutions.

Ultimately, Norman Mailer's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the wasteful nature of obsession and the fruitlessness of relentlessly pursuing answers that may remain beyond reach. It cautions against the unending quest for resolution that can consume individuals and societies, urging a more balanced and mindful approach to addressing questions and challenges. By recognizing the limitations of obsessive fixation, individuals can strive to cultivate resilience, acceptance, and adaptive problem-solving strategies that promote personal growth and well-being.