Weigert identified something she called “manic flight reaction,” a capitulation to anxiety that “denies the tragedy of human existence.” “Manic” implies compulsion, acting without being able to think through the consequences, the desired goal, or possible alternatives. Manic action not only involves not being able to think through, but a companion lack of awareness of what is happening. Instead, unreasonable answers that escalate problems are experienced as reasonable and successful.
