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213A
Berlin
15 May 1914
Dear Professor,
In my last letter I did not really take much notice of your state of suffering, since I thought it was not serious. This is what happens if one is narcissistically restricted by one's own complaints. I now hasten to join your doctor wholeheartedly in his congratulations. I hope to hear from you at the next opportunity that you are once again fully satisfied with your health and your achievements—this would be the most reassuring news in view of the demands you make upon yourself. Meanwhile, you might perhaps apply to your own health the motto you mentioned! Since there really seems to be no reason for pessimism.
As regards the matter of the presidency, I fully agree with you. I cannot, however, see why my suggestion concerning your Honorary Presidency should have the flavour of “retd”., since it would, on the contrary, make you once again the active leader of our congresses. It goes without saying that I should like most of all to see you as full President. The best solution to the problem will probably be found within the intimate circle of friends.
Riklin, whom I asked for some material on the past Congress, responded with the enclosed writing,1 which I should be glad to have back sometime. I replied at once, most politely, of course. I am doing everything to keep the correspondence calm, so that nothing on my part can exacerbate the situation. If the Swiss take part in the Congress, they shall have nothing in hands to hold against us.
This letter, dear Professor, needs no reply! Do not trouble yourself unnecessarily just now. I should like to add to my recent communications that I am working on a short paper “On the Relationship between the Oral and Sexual Drives”.2 The should not be completely without contributions from me.
More about plans for the summer as soon as I know something myself! I should like to know sometime when your holidays begin—the middle of July, or later?
With cordial greetings and good wishes,
Yours,