Letter from Freud to Ludwig Binswanger, December 31, 1909

31 December 1909
Vienna IX, Berggasse 19

20F

Prof. Dr. Freud

Dear Dr. Binswanger,

According to the clock you will be, by the time I reach the middle of this letter, the first to whom I can wish a happy New Year. I am very glad you did not take my candid words amiss; I may have been a little blunt; I am glad to see that no harm was done and even think that I can read more agreement between your lines than in your actual words. I did not object to your independent views, which I deeply respect in everyone, nor to your stopping at your present point of development, but to something different, more fundamental, something to be clarified by analysis, which you will certainly not acknowledge consciously: you unwittingly give the impression of someone in polite society apologising to his peers for having mentioned his association with social inferiors in whom he has discovered all sorts of estimable qualities. You will say ‘no’, but as you know analysis can be painful on occasion.1

Now to the main point: your announcement that you will be coming to see us during the next few weeks is good news indeed. It makes no difference to me what day you choose; I do not expect to be less busy at any particular time. We shall chat in the evening after work and after supper for as long as you can stand it; the day must inevitably be devoted to duty. On Wednesday and Saturday you will give me great pleasure by joining me at our society evenings2 and taking part in the seminar3 if you can find nothing better for you, and especially for your wife, to do. We shall be delighted to make her acquaintance. My sister-in-law and my now oldest daughter4 will endeavour to take her out when you are otherwise occupied. It is a poor programme but only a rogue promises more than he can deliver,5 and these promises will at least be kept in friendship. (Happy 1910!)

Do please let us know soon when we may expect you. With kind regards, and in anticipation,

Yours, Freud