You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
12 September 1932
Vienna, IX. Berggasse 19
Dear Jones,
Thank you for your first letter as President! I was sorry that Ferenczi's obvious ambition could not be satisfied, but then there was not a moment's doubt that only you have the competence for the leadership.1 To be sure, Ferenczi's change is most regrettable, but there is nothing traumatic about it. For three years already I have been observing his increasing alienation,
his unreceptiveness to warnings about his technical errors, and what is probably most crucial, a personal hostility toward me for which I have certainly given him even less cause than in previous cases. Except perhaps for the fact that I am still here. Unfortunately in his case the regressive intellectual and affective development seems to have a background of physical decline. His perceptive and good wife let me know that I should think of him as a sick child.2
This is contrasted by the fact that everything else at the Congress went so satisfactorily. I am told it is unmistakable that the movement is making itself independent of the influence of individuals, and is apparently in the position to survive the loss of this or that personality quite well. The understanding, based on the bond to the common cause, the best guarantee for the future, is said to be excellent.3
I am glad that you agree with the choice of my young people (Kris, Hartmann, Wälder,4 Martin). Martin is still enjoying a few days' holiday in Switzerland; consequently I do not yet know the details of the arrangements concerning the Verlag or their scope. Once the Verlag has shaken off its dependence on the committee of creditors, the supervisory committee will, I hope, prove to be a wise adviser and not a burdensome steward of the court.5 Unfortunately the future of the Verlag depends on political developments in Germany; if this Hitlerei succeeds still further not many psa. books will be bought. The fate of my “Ergänzende Vorlesungen”,6 which have just gone to press, will be ve