Letter from Freud to Fliess, October 30, 1898

Vienna, October 30, 1898
IX., Berggasse 19

Dear Wilhelm,

After having sent off my last letter with the wishes for your happiness, I reproached myself for having deviated from the traditional

formula, which seeks to eradicate every last vestige of suffering or illness. I wanted to sound rational and provide a place and a positive function for that which in any event cannot be avoided. This was nonsense, because wishing does not become reasonable by any correction of this sort. In my inattentive reading I overlooked your first intimation, that you planned to let yourself in for new experimental tortures, and I was therefore greatly surprised to get the news of your operation so soon thereafter. I thank you cordially for the care you took to assure that the same news you sent to your family would also reach me. Incidentally, I spoke to your sister-in-law Marie herself today, because it is the first birthday of little Norbert (who is very sweet). I now hope to hear how soon you got over it all and shall certainly be able to convince myself that it led to a considerable improvement in you. If you needed anything other than rest and I were in a better mood and better general physical condition, I would have used the holidays for a trip to Berlin; but since I have a cold and am engrossed in my own expectations, I would bring you neither invigoration nor enjoyment. I am completely focused on one subject; fortunately there is work, and I want to know what will come out of it. Your flattering words poured sunshine over the situation for a day, but soon they appeared false to me because of your personal affection for me and your intention to console me.

I will not trouble you in matters of Gattel and I hope he too will spare you.

No doubt you will soon be able to read. Kassowitz will be sent off to you tomorrow. I shall write brief letters more frequently.

With the most cordial greetings from all of us to all of you,

Your

Sigm.