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By Sigmund Freud. Translated from the German by A. A. Brill

“Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex” by Sigmund Freud is a foundational text in psychoanalytic theory, exploring the complexities of human sexuality. The book is divided into three main sections:

1. Sexual Aberrations: Freud discusses deviations in sexual object choice and sexual aim, including homosexuality, fetishism, and sadomasochism. He argues that these deviations are not inherently pathological but are variations of the normal sexual impulse.

2. Infantile Sexuality: Freud introduces the concept of infantile sexuality, asserting that sexual impulses are present from birth and undergo various developmental phases. He describes the stages of sexual development in children, including the oral, anal, and phallic stages, and emphasizes the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping adult sexuality.

3. Transformations of Puberty: This section examines the changes that occur during puberty, leading to the mature sexual organization. Freud discusses the role of the genital zones, the development of sexual object choice, and the integration of various sexual impulses into a coherent sexual identity.

Throughout the book, Freud emphasizes the significance of unconscious processes and the impact of early experiences on later sexual development. He also introduces key concepts such as the Oedipus complex, repression, and sublimation, which have become central to psychoanalytic theory.

NY. Dutton. 1962. 126p.

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By Sigmund Freud And William C. Bullitt

Summary of the key points of this enlightening book::

Early Life and Influences

• Father’s Influence: Wilson’s father, Reverend Joseph Ruggles Wilson, profoundly shaped his character. Wilson’s intense admiration and love for his father led to a strong desire for achievement and recognition.

• Psychological Mechanisms: The study explores Wilson’s use of repression, identification, and sublimation to manage his conflicting desires, particularly his aggressive and passive feelings towards his father.

Adolescence and Identification

• Increased Masculinity: During adolescence, Wilson’s masculinity increased, intensifying his aggressive feelings towards his father.

• Identification with Gladstone: Wilson admired British statesman William Gladstone, seeing him as an “incomparable father” figure. This identification helped him express his aggression towards his real father while maintaining love for him.

Adulthood and Career

• Struggles and Ambitions: Wilson faced physical ailments and frequent nervous breakdowns, often linked to unresolved inner conflicts. His ambition to become a statesman was influenced by his admiration for figures like Gladstone and Bright.

• Marriage and Stability: His marriage to Ellen Axson provided emotional stability and support, acting as a mother representative.

Presidency of Princeton

• Reforms and Conflicts: As President of Princeton, Wilson implemented significant reforms but faced intense conflicts, particularly with Dean Andrew F. West. These conflicts were driven by his repressed hostility towards his father.

• Impact of Father’s Death: The death of his father necessitated new outlets for his libido, leading to increased speech-making, passionate friendships, and religious activities.

Political Career and Presidency

• Legislative Achievements: Wilson’s political career saw significant legislative achievements, driven by his powerful Super-Ego and sense of divine mission.

• World War I: Wilson’s approach to World War I was shaped by his personal beliefs and psychological conflicts. He struggled to balance his desire for peace with the aggressive actions of Germany.

Psychological Struggles and Health

• Health Issues: Throughout his life, Wilson’s health issues, including neuritis, indigestion, and headaches, were closely linked to his psychological state.

• Key Relationships: His relationships with key figures, such as Colonel House and Joe Tumulty, provided both support and additional sources of conflict.

Peace Negotiations and Legacy

• Treaty of Versailles: Wilson’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace were challenged by the demands of the Allies. His compromises led to a treaty that many viewed as unjust.

• Decline and Death: Wilson’s health deteriorated significantly during his second term, culminating in a severe stroke in October 1919. His final years were marked by a sense of betrayal and a focus on his earlier achievements at Princeton.

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of Wilson’s character, emphasizing the interplay between his unconscious desires, psychoanalytic mechanisms, and the external influences that shaped his life and career.

Houghton Mifflin Company Boston. The Riverside Press. Cambridge. 1966. 317p.

By Philip Rieff

From the Preface: "The Emergence of Psychological Man" was written as a coda to The Mind of the Moralist, it is often assigned to students and read separately now from the main body of the text. I have thought ti important to amplify the concept of psychological manfor a reason stated most succinctly by two historians in their appraisal of my work and its implications. "If the dominant character type of the twentieth century is really what Riff calls 'psychological man,' the consequences for western society are quite incalculable." As a calculus of the incalculable, The Triumph of the Therapeutic is more than amplification of what has gone before; it signifies a beginning as wel as an end. I have tried to say something about the consequences of psychological man for Western society-but not everything, for I do not consider the advance of the social sciences toward a theory of culture yet sure enough to convey such an attempt….

NY. Harper & Row. 1966. 282p. CONTAINS MARK-UP