This paper aims to present and compare theoretical fundamentals in the work of Wilfred Bion and Jean Laplanche that stem from Freud's “Formulations on the Two Principles of Mental Functioning.” Bion derived his theory of thinking from Freud's paper and Laplanche his principles of zero and constancy. Both authors introduced the vital role of the other in their theorizing, which solves Freud's assumption of the solipsistic infant living in a closed system. Bion proposed the coexistence of the pleasure and reality principle via the processes of projective identification. For this approach, Bion needed to assume a rudimentary ego and innate (pre)conceptions. Laplanche did not need these a priori postulates as he conceptualized an unconscious that does not originate from within, but from without, from the caregivers' enigmatic message. Both theoretical pathways have implications for our understanding of the psychoanalytic encounter. Questions remain on how to align the theoretical underpinnings, and a solution is proposed by putting the writings of these giants “back to work.” 1911