Meaning: Norman O. Brown, an American philosopher, and social critic, is known for his influential work in the field of psychoanalysis and its connections to culture and society. The quote "In its famous paradox, the equation of money and excrement, psychoanalysis becomes the first science to state what common sense and the poets have long known - that the essence of money is in its absolute worthlessness" encapsulates a provocative and thought-provoking idea about the nature of money and its symbolic significance.

The quote reflects Brown's engagement with the psychoanalytic tradition, particularly the works of Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan. In psychoanalysis, the concept of the "paradox" often refers to the contradictory or counterintuitive nature of certain phenomena, and Brown's use of this term suggests that the equation of money and excrement is both jarring and illuminating.

By linking money and excrement, Brown draws attention to the symbolic and psychological dimensions of money. In psychoanalytic theory, excrement is often associated with waste, filth, and the repressed aspects of the human psyche. Money, on the other hand, holds immense cultural and economic significance, often representing power, value, and social status. The equation of the two seemingly disparate entities challenges conventional notions of value and worth.

Brown's assertion that psychoanalysis becomes the "first science to state" this equation suggests that he views psychoanalysis as uniquely positioned to uncover and articulate truths about the human experience that may elude other disciplines. This aligns with the psychoanalytic tradition's emphasis on exploring the unconscious, symbolism, and the complex interplay between conscious and unconscious motivations.

The reference to "common sense and the poets" acknowledges that the idea of money's worthlessness is not entirely new. Throughout history, poets, artists, and philosophers have grappled with the symbolic and enigmatic nature of money, often questioning its true significance and the values attached to it. By invoking these cultural and intellectual traditions, Brown situates his assertion within a broader historical and literary context.

The notion that the essence of money lies in its "absolute worthlessness" challenges the prevailing belief in the intrinsic value of money. In modern societies, money is often equated with material wealth and is a fundamental medium of exchange. However, from a psychoanalytic perspective, Brown suggests that the true essence of money may be rooted in its symbolic, rather than material, properties.

Brown's exploration of the paradoxical nature of money aligns with broader discussions about the nature of value, desire, and the unconscious in psychoanalysis and cultural theory. His work invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about the significance of money and to contemplate the deeper psychological and symbolic underpinnings of economic systems and transactions.

In conclusion, Norman O. Brown's quote about the equation of money and excrement offers a compelling entry point into the intersection of psychoanalysis, culture, and the nature of value. By provocatively challenging conventional conceptions of money's worth, Brown prompts readers to engage with the symbolic and psychological dimensions of economic exchange and the complex interplay between conscious and unconscious motivations. This quote serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of psychoanalytic thought in illuminating fundamental aspects of human experience and cultural phenomena.