"Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways."
Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for evaluating and treating pathologies seen as originating from conflicts in the psyche, through dialogue between patient and psychoanalyst, and the distinctive theory of mind and human agency derived from it.Â
Founder of Psychoanalysis: Sigmund Freud is best known as the father of psychoanalysis, a method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. His work laid the foundation for modern psychotherapy and has profoundly impacted psychology, psychiatry, and even popular culture.
Theory of the Unconscious Mind: Freud developed the theory that human behaviour is largely influenced by the unconscious mind, which includes desires, memories, and experiences that are not accessible to the conscious mind. He introduced the concepts of the id, ego, and superego as the three parts of the human psyche.
Dream Interpretation: Freud believed that dreams are a form of wish fulfilment and provide insights into the unconscious mind. His book "The Interpretation of Dreams" (1899) is one of his most famous works, where he detailed his theories on dream analysis and the significance of dreams in understanding unconscious desires.
Developmental Stages: Freud proposed that human development occurs in a series of stages, each centred on erogenous zones. These stages are oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital. He believed that experiences during these stages profoundly impact an individual’s personality and behaviour in adulthood.
Controversial Theories: Many of Freud's theories, such as the Oedipus complex, have been highly controversial and have sparked extensive debate and criticism. Despite the controversies, Freud's work has remained influential, and his ideas continue to be studied and discussed in psychology, literature, and cultural studies.
