Happy Birthday, Sigmund Freud
Today marks the birthday of Sigmund Freud, remembered today as the founder of psychoanalysis.
Born 6 May 1856, Sigmund Freud is known as the founder of psychoanalysis, his practice, research and theories have been referenced throughout the BPC’s psychoanalytic community. More widely, Freud’s work can be found in many common phrases and terms used today, he’s also known as a notable figure, often associated with controversy.
Whilst Freud remains a figure of significance and discussion who is core to the psychoanalytic landscape, many misconceptions about his life and work remain. Additionally, interesting details around his life are often missed. Today, we’re sharing resources from our archives, our Member Institutions and beyond that shed a new light on the life and work of Sigmund Freud.
Resources
“It’s not just Freud’s terminology that is all over the popular lexicon. He’s an adjective in his own right.”
This BBC News article delves into the ways in which Freudian language is still frequently heard and used today. Jon Kelly explores the ways in which Freud’s ideas often emerge in pub conversations and academic papers alike.
“I was struck by how her own words and experience tallied with Freud’s written version.”
Read this 2021 New Associations article on page 20 of the summer issue. Maggie Murray reflects on the life of Freud’s lesbian patient Sidonie. The article dwells on Sidonie’s relationship with Freud as well as the changing relationship of psychoanalysis and homosexuality from then to now.
“Shocking for their time, these statements point to an aspect of Freud’s writing that is little known.”
In this Guardian opinion piece, Jacqueline Rose places Freudian thought into a fraught, current affairs context, in light of the recently published Revised Standard Edition of Freud’s complete works.
“His patient insistence that one need not be afraid of any variety of sexuality”
Read Malcolm Allen’s New Associations piece (P13) on the history of a small metal porcupine – one of Freud’s belongings with a backstory that involves multiple professional collaborations and the spread of psychoanalysis to America.
“When he was very busy, he would work until ten o’clock, meaning twelve or thirteen hours of analysis per day.”
Freud organised his time in a meticulous and detailed way. Read this piece by the Freud museum that outlines what Freud’s daily calendar looked like.
The Editors of our magazine New Associations have compiled some publications to highlight, published and upcoming, from our Scholars’ community that explore different aspects of Freud’s life and work:
- Poul Rohleder, a clinical psychologist, psychoanalytic psychotherapist, BPC Registrant and Founding Scholar, has written a book entitled The Oedipus Complex: A Contemporary Introduction, which will be published by Routledge later this year. Freud’s concept of the Oedipus Complex revolutionised how we understand human development.
- Brett Kahr, Chair of the BPC Scholars’ Network Committee, published a book entitled Coffee with Freud (Routledge 2017). This is the second volume in Brett Kahr’s ‘Interviews with Icons’ series, following on from Tea with Winnicott. Professor Kahr, himself a highly regarded psychoanalyst, turns his attention to the work of the father of psychoanalysis.
Freud Seminar Series
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