Letter from Sigmund Freud to Ernst Freud, January 17, 1938

Vienna IX, Berggasse 19
January 17, 1938

Dear Ernst

Your letter pleased me no less than the lovely Persian glass dish you sent me. In return I have had mailed to you an essay on Moses, one of my few recent works which may arouse general interest. I am afraid this interest may exceed justified proportions and be blown up into something sensational. But I may be mistaken. It is my first appearance as a historian; late enough! I don't anticipate a friendly reception from the scientific critics-Jewry will be very offended.

I don't know what you read about me in the Evening Standard. Probably nothing but lies. From me you can learn that I am not at all well and that I am beginning to find life pretty inconvenient. This is not surprising; what else can one expect?

My best wishes for the opening of Hidden House!1 It is typically Jewish not to renounce anything and to replace what has been lost. Moses, who in my opinion left a lasting imprint on the Jewish character, was the first to set an example. In our present difficult times your existence in England stands out boldly against all the misery around us. Whenever I think of your success I feel pleased and full of hope for the chances of the next generation.

You know about the rest of us. Mama is bearing up magnificently, your aunt is about to undergo an operation for cataract which we hope will turn out well. Anna is splendid, in spirits, achievement, and in all human relationships. It is amazing how clear and independent her scientific work has become. If she had more ambition … but perhaps it is better like this for her later life.

My warmest greetings to your good Lux and the three big boys about whom their grandfather knows alas too little. How I would like to say: See you in Grinzing!

Papa