Letter from Sigmund Freud to Max Eitingon, February 6, 1938

Vienna IX, Berggasse 19
February 6, 1938

Dear Friend

I have often asked myself in bewilderment if it is absolutely necessary for newspapers to tell lies so regularly and without restraint. In any case it is good to know that you didn't believe the news this time, either. Our brave and in its way decent government is now more energetic than hitherto in keeping the Nazis at bay, although in view of the latest events in Germany no one can be sure what is going to happen.

My last operation performed by Pichler1 two weeks ago has produced the usual reactions, but for a week now I have been able to work-and chew-again. Since the microscopic findings on the removed tissue were suspicious this time, Pichler has threatened me with another operation in the near future, but hasn't yet come to a decision. This isn't very pleasant of course, but the operation itself, thanks to Evipan, has become ideally painless and undangerous, and there is no need to worry about more than the immediate future.

We are following the reports about all that is happening in the “Holy Land” with great concern. I am glad to hear that Mirra is nevertheless more cheerful. Sometimes one can't help thinking of Master Anton's concluding words in one of Hebbel's dramas: “I no longer understand this world.”2 Have you read that Jews in Germany are to be forbidden to give their children German names? They can only retaliate by demanding that the Nazis refrain from using the popular names of John, Joseph, and Mary.

Cordially
Your
Freud