Cure for an obsession: get another one.

The quote "Cure for an obsession: get another one" by Mason Cooley is a witty observation about the nature of obsessions and how they can sometimes be replaced rather than resolved. Cooley is humorously suggesting that when someone becomes fixated on a particular interest or activity, the best way to move on from it is not to dispel the obsession but to simply substitute it with a new one. The quote reflects the idea that obsessions are a natural part of human behavior, and rather than eliminating them, we often just shift our focus to something else that captures our attention in the same way.

Cooley, an American aphorist, was known for his insightful and often ironic remarks on human nature. This quote is a reflection of his ability to pinpoint the cyclic nature of human desires and fixations. By suggesting that one obsession can simply be replaced by another, Cooley touches on how difficult it is to truly overcome these intense interests or behaviors, and how they often persist in different forms throughout our lives. His approach adds humor to the idea of personal change or growth, showing that it may not always be as linear or straightforward as we would like to believe.

The origin of this quote comes from Cooley’s collection of aphorisms—short, pointed statements that often explore the contradictions and complexities of life. Cooley's work focused on the nuances of human relationships, emotions, and societal norms, and this quote fits into his broader body of work that highlights the paradoxes in human behavior. His sharp, witty style invites readers to reflect on how obsessions shape our lives, often in ways we don’t realize until we step back and examine them.

Ultimately, Cooley’s quote humorously captures the idea that obsessions are not always easy to escape, but they can be redirected or replaced by new sources of fascination. It underscores the impermanence and fluidity of human focus and serves as a lighthearted reminder that sometimes our efforts to break free from one obsession might simply lead to the formation of another.