A Plea for a Broader Standpoint in Psychoanalysis

At the very outset I wish to state my general attitude toward the Freudian school. It is not that of an iconoclast, an image-breaker, an idol-shatterer. It is not that of an outsider, maliciously intent upon throwing stones or of bringing down in ruins a wonderful and inspiring structure, reared by much labor, thought and untiring effort. It is not the attitude of a revolutionist or anarchist seeking to destroy and annihilate in toto that which does not entirely conform to his own ideas, convictions and beliefs. I approach the problem from a different viewpoint. I admire and respect the Freudians for the great work they have done. I have had my mind virtually opened up for me, in many respects, by reading Freudian literature. I have marvelled at the indefatigable energy and the remarkable ability displayed by the leading Freudians. They have attacked, one after the other, the various fields of normal and abnormal psychology. They have endeavored to explain the various types of human activities, of human conduct, normal and abnormal, in its many phases. They have endeavored to penetrate to the very nucleus of these problems. He who reads the Freudian writings cannot help but gain much knowledge from them. Such a reader must also accept, at its face value, much of what is thus taught him. Before one attempts to condemn any person or group of persons one should do one's utmost to come into sympathy with them. Only in that way can we understand them, fully appreciate them at their true value, and criticize them justly and worthily. Otherwise our criticism is worthless, is tinged with animosity, partakes of the note of personal like and dislike, is unfair, biased, partial and unscientific. In my own behalf I may say that I have studied the Freudian theories and conclusions with patience, with sympathy and with an open mind. I have endeavored to see things from their point of view, to understand and to grasp their symbolism, to find the