The author views Federn's faith and optimism in psychoanalysis—as individual treatment and potential instrument of social change—as "unscientific," "uncritical," and "elitist," in contrast to the perspective of Hanns Sachs, who is explicit in his awareness of the limitations of the therapist. Lee compares and contrasts "current" therapy with magical modes of treatment. Federn's allusion to Sais, "the Ancient Egyptian mother goddess," is ironic, from the perspective of the author, who states that "psychoanalysis has been in some sense a wicked unveiling of Sais." The author emphasizes the radical nature of Sachs's view of the therapist as "empty-handed" in approaching the patient.