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Vienna, January 25, 1923
IX., Berggasse 19
Dear friend,
I am replying to you on the same day, after I have written for an hour on my “devil's neurosis,”1 because it is only 12:30. I share your impressions; I, too, am not satisfied with our Western Committee members and, unfortunately, have heard as much about Jones—it is my fate to be informed from so many quarters—that I don't look to the future with confidence. But your intention for an “active therapy” leaves out of consideration an important factor, namely, that now we—Rank and I—intend, that is to say, have carried out the full separation from Press and Verlag, while Jones would much rather see the old gloomy condition perpetuated. So, now you don't have anything to demand, or you would demand it in opposition to us.
The separation has also not been easy for us; it was a painful autotomy. But our lack of money, on the one hand, and the audacity and clumsiness of the English, on the other, have necessitated it for us. Collaboration with them is not very possible. When they are alone, they will probably do it well, in any case better. Jones is in many respects a personality unsuited to be a leader.
I wrote to Radó today; I didn't know it was so serious with her.
“Ego and Id” is presently maturing and doesn't exist yet in any printed form.2
There are all kinds of new things with us, some that one should be happy about, but everything is so mixed with cares and qualms, and one has gotten out of practice with joy.3 Do you already know about Oliver's engagement?4 On January 3I he is going to Duisburg in the occupied territory! to assume a position there. A niece of mine, who was in New York, wants to get married on February 4,5 but it is all so wretched. Also in the finances of the fund, something, which I don't want to say publicly, has changed for the better; but it is not enough by a long shot for the difficulties of these times. You say you find me fresh and indefatigable; I know that I am grouchy and tired.
Varga is at