Letter from Sigmund Freud to Sándor Ferenczi, August 27, 1924

Semmering, August 27, 19241

Dear friend,

Enclosed [is] a copy of Rank's letter, which I received yesterday.2 You will see from it how matters stand. I think we have to be prepared for the most unfavorable outcome. You can imagine that for me it means a grave disappointment and an almost unbelievable experience. It is a certain consolation that I really can't ascribe any responsibility to myself for this outcome. You yourself know all the circumstances. I can also claim for myself the right to free choice of judgment and don't have to agree unconditionally to an adherent's innovation, if I am prepared myself to allow everyone his own opinion within the natural limits of the working community.

You will perhaps find my statement too pessimistic, since Rank has not yet officially declared his withdrawal. But it is as good as if it were written in the letter. Certainly, I am also awaiting further developments. But I don't want to be taken by them unprepared. I do hope that I can still rely on you, and for that reason I ask whether, if reality dictates, you will take over the editorship of the journals in Rank's place. I have no one else, and certainly no one who is more dear to me. Anna would support you here as official secretary, and I would help her out, naturally, to the extent that it is possible for me. In suspense, I look forward to your remarks about this assignment and the whole situation. Aside from you, only Eitingon will learn of Rank's letter and my intentions.3

I don't know when Rank is coming back. I hope to speak with you in Vienna at the end of September or the beginning of October.

With kind regards to you and your dear wife.

Yours,

Freud