Surreal illustration of evolving and static faces representing different types of repetition.

Unlocking the Mystery of Repetition: How Understanding 'Sameness' Can Transform Your Life

Reese Marlowe in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive deep into the psychoanalytic concept of repetition and discover how distinguishing between the 'same' and the 'identical' can unlock personal growth and break destructive cycles."

Have you ever felt like you're reliving the same day over and over again? Whether it's in relationships, career choices, or personal habits, the phenomenon of repetition is a common thread in the human experience. But what if understanding the underlying mechanisms of repetition could help you break free from these cycles and create a more fulfilling life?

In the world of psychoanalysis, the concept of repetition has been a subject of much debate and exploration. While analysts often agree on the clinical observation of repetition, the interpretation of its meaning and function remains a complex and controversial topic. This is partly due to the inherent ambiguities and contradictions found within even Sigmund Freud's own theories on the subject.

This article delves into the groundbreaking work of psychoanalyst Michel de M'Uzan, who proposed a fascinating distinction between two types of repetition: the repetition of the 'same' and the repetition of the 'identical.' By understanding the difference between these two concepts, we can gain valuable insights into our own patterns of behavior and unlock the potential for personal growth and transformation.

The Same vs. The Identical: What's the Difference?

Surreal illustration of evolving and static faces representing different types of repetition.

De M'Uzan's central argument revolves around the idea that not all repetition is created equal. He posits that there's a crucial difference between repeating something that is 'the same' and repeating something that is 'identical.' This distinction may seem subtle, but it has profound implications for understanding the underlying dynamics at play.

To illustrate this difference, consider the following example: Imagine a musician who practices the same piece of music repeatedly. Each time they play it, they may strive for perfection, but there will inevitably be slight variations in their performance. These variations could be due to changes in their mood, their physical state, or even the instrument they are playing. This is an example of repeating 'the same' – the underlying structure remains constant, but the expression of it evolves over time.

Repetition of the Same: Involves variations and nuances, allowing for growth and adaptation.
Repetition of the Identical: Characterized by rigidity and a lack of change, often stemming from unresolved trauma.
Repetition of the Same: Associated with working through experiences, creating new meanings, and transforming internal narratives.
Repetition of the Identical: Linked to a sense of being stuck, unable to move forward, and re-experiencing the past without resolution.

Now, imagine a person who compulsively washes their hands, driven by an overwhelming fear of contamination. Each time they wash their hands, they perform the exact same ritual, using the same soap, the same amount of water, and the same number of repetitions. There is no variation, no nuance, only a rigid adherence to the prescribed routine. This is an example of repeating 'the identical' – a frozen, unchanging act that offers no opportunity for growth or adaptation.

Breaking Free from the Cycle of 'Identical' Repetition

Understanding the distinction between the repetition of the 'same' and the repetition of the 'identical' is the first step towards breaking free from destructive cycles and creating a more fulfilling life. By recognizing when we are engaging in rigid, unchanging behaviors, we can begin to explore the underlying causes and develop strategies for change. This may involve seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, or simply becoming more aware of our own patterns of behavior. Whatever path we choose, the key is to move towards a more flexible, adaptive, and ultimately more meaningful way of living.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3917/clini.013.0024, Alternate LINK

Title: Le Même Et L’Identique

Subject: General Engineering

Journal: Cliniques

Publisher: CAIRN

Authors: Michel De M’Uzan

Published: 2017-05-23

Everything You Need To Know

What is the core difference between repeating the 'same' and repeating the 'identical' according to Michel de M'Uzan?

Michel de M'Uzan differentiates between two types of repetition: repeating the 'same' involves variations and nuances, allowing for growth and adaptation, such as a musician practicing a piece with slight changes each time. Conversely, repeating the 'identical' is characterized by rigidity and a lack of change, often stemming from unresolved trauma, like the example of someone compulsively washing their hands in the exact same way.

How does the concept of repeating the 'same' contribute to personal growth, as highlighted by Michel de M'Uzan?

Repeating the 'same', as defined by Michel de M'Uzan, is associated with working through experiences, creating new meanings, and transforming internal narratives. It involves variations and nuances in behavior, allowing for adaptation and personal growth. This allows individuals to evolve and learn from their experiences rather than being stuck in rigid patterns.

Can you provide an example of how repeating the 'identical' manifests in everyday life and what are its implications?

Repeating the 'identical', according to Michel de M'Uzan, is characterized by rigid, unchanging behaviors. An example is a person who compulsively washes their hands in exactly the same way each time. The implications are that this type of repetition is linked to a sense of being stuck, unable to move forward, and re-experiencing the past without resolution, often stemming from unresolved trauma.

In the context of psychoanalysis, why is the distinction between the 'same' and the 'identical' important for personal transformation?

The distinction between the repetition of the 'same' and the repetition of the 'identical', as proposed by Michel de M'Uzan, is crucial because it provides a framework for understanding our patterns of behavior. By recognizing when we are engaging in rigid, unchanging behaviors (the identical), we can begin to explore the underlying causes, often rooted in unresolved trauma, and develop strategies for change. This understanding is the first step towards breaking free from destructive cycles and creating a more fulfilling life, fostering personal growth and adaptation.

What are some practical steps one can take to break free from the cycle of repeating the 'identical', as suggested by the understanding of Michel de M'Uzan?

Understanding the distinction between repeating the 'same' and repeating the 'identical' is the initial step. To break free from the cycle of repeating the 'identical', one can start by recognizing rigid, unchanging behaviors. This may involve seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, or simply becoming more aware of one's own patterns of behavior. The key is to move towards a more flexible, adaptive, and ultimately more meaningful way of living, allowing for personal transformation and growth instead of being trapped in unchanging, often traumatic, repetitions.