Freud and Man's Soul: An Important Re-Interpretation of Freudian Theory

An admirable book to read by all English-speaking analysts. For me, the most importent author's message is his critique of an awful Strachey's translation, this "authorized version", that falsified Freud, whilst it had to be a relatively easy task of translation from one Germanic language into another. But, alas, the English-speaking world got an improbable hellenized and latinized mistranslation, with highly narcissistic pretension of being smarter than Freud. Methinks, this terrible mystification is unrepairable during the life of a generation or two. And, despite the efforts of actual new translator, just liberated from copyright slavery, Freud's perception in the English-speaking intellectual world would remain the same: as a one more abstruse and aloof psychology without soul.

Dr. Bettleheim brings an unusual perspective, since he read Freud as a countryman, essentially, and understood what Freud was saying. The message was simple and direct. The concept was very easy for anyone to understand, being expressed in everyday non-technical language. Too bad the translation of the central basic concepts of structure of the unconscious elements of the mind was so greatly distorted. It is understandable that Americans misunderstood the gist of the 'theory of the unconscious' and the whole approach to psychoanalytic treatment. A very good example of someone exercising their pseudo-intellectual approach to psychoanalysis appears in the movie, "Five Easy Pieces." The book is short and well written. It remains a must read for anyone interested in psychoanalysis or the theory of the unconscious.

Loved this book. As a Clinical Psych PhD student I’m really grateful for his setting the record straight about the mistranslation of Sigmund Freud.

Great book. Shows how the medical field effectively hijacked Freud's ideas and changed them for thier own agenda to make it so only physicians could use psychoanalysis. We are still suffering because of this today the American Psyciatricy Association dictates all other counseling fields with their DSM.

This quick read provided a much-needed modification to the way I had learned to view Freud up to this point. Written by someone who walked in Freud's shoes, both culturally and educationally, Bettelheim applies the lens of the appropriate time and culture in which Freud composed his theories and works to the general ideas behind them, shedding much new light on the inaccurate translations of Freud's works into English, which we are all asked to read in school. If you have read Freud, or if you have to for school, trust me--read this important, controversial work. Of immense value to the psychoanalyst, therapist, or anyone studying Freud, especially the contemporary psychology student who has been fed the dry, westernized treatment of Freud. This book will change everything, trust me.

I would wonder if it is the most valuable book written in regards to 'who Freud actually is/was' as an analyst; person, humanist, philosopher, independent thinker / leader, insightful being whose ideas have been condensed into limited versions of his thoughts. This book single handedly changed my thoughts about Analysis & I have shared these ideas with many since.... Very inspiring....

You can't go wrong with this re-interpretation of Freud by Bettleheim. It is novel and fascinating.

This should be mandatory reading before attempting to read anything by Freud in English. The author does a good job in explaining the translation errors and helps give you a good frame of reference from which to read Freud's writings.

Found some inspirations from reading this book! Now I understand that psychology is more than meets the eyes! In this book, Bettelheim explained that the psychoanalysis not just the plain dry scientific terms and prescription which only physicians were allowed to use, but everyone! To understand and recognize oneself from he/she's psyche, is to face oneself with courage to overcome the problem in one's unconsciousness, eventually the union with your own psyche. The doctor can't help you, only you can help yourself! Freud is not a physician (well at least that's not what he trying to become in he's later year after he've found psychoanalysis), but a philosopher who care dearly for humanitarian development, and that, is from internal to external, not the other way around (which what natural science trying to do).

It's a very interesting read

This is a small but highly valuable academic contribution to the Freudian studies. The book is old but reckons pertinently the misinterpretation, mistranslation and reduction of Freudian terms and concepts particularly at the hands of American clinical psychologists. How the original German terms used by Freud in his writings loose their humanistic rigour and connection in its English version is highlighted by the author through numerous examples . The book is an eye opener to the extent of demonstrating our precariousness in reading a great author in a language which was not only foreign to him but more importantly seriously handicapped in truly carrying the meaning of his concepts.

A top read, not too dense, clear and concise and very interesting.

Wonderful book. Recommended for those who would like to understand why S. Freud's theories were unconventional for his day. This book provides evidence that Freud was poorly summarized and grossly misinterpreted. These erroneous teachings have pervaded academia for too long. Time for another look at Freud's original writings. Bruno Bettelheim offers great insight.