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Heinz Hartmann's personal history is so closely interlinked with the history of psychoanalysis that on the occasion of his 75th birthday (4 November 1969) to reflect on the one means automatically to involve the other.
The Psycho-Analytical Association, like any other scientific organization, depends for its growth and development on two influences: one emanating from a generation of senior teachers who clarify, enlarge and transmit insights; the other from the ranks of the younger members who receive, amend and modify the accumulated knowledge. Although a balance between them seems desirable at all times, it can never be achieved for long, owing to the different rate of increase between the two forces. While the numbers of the young rise rapidly, promoted by the Institutes via careful selection, generous acceptance, instruction, etc., those of the authoritative figures are added to very gradually, are at best stationary and at worst decrease markedly from year to year. Also it is their very rarity which gives them added value.
As regards Heinz Hartmann, he passed at an exceptionally early age from membership in the rising generation to take his place among the 'elder statesmen' of psychoanalysis, quickly achieving prominence and leadership among them. He has held this position, largely undisputed and not often challenged, for almost three decades now, on the strength of a characteristic personal combination which enables him to open up new vistas and to gain new territories for psychoanalysis while remaining determined to adhere to the hardwon findings and values of the past.
Heinz Hartmann has taken the inevitable forward course through the years, from the 60s into the 70s and, hopefully, into the 80s, and at stated intervals has received from friends, colleagues and pupils the usual felicitations which serve as a disguise for the fact that, in truth, the advance in years is a burden and a liability rather than a matter for rejoicing.
If we pay tribute to him tod