The birth of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, is commemorated

2026-05-06 12:09:00, Kulturë CNA

Today, May 6, marks the birth of Sigmund Schlomo Freud, one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century and the founder of psychoanalysis, an approach that fundamentally changed the way the human mind and behavior are understood.

Born in 1856 in Freiberg (now Pribor, Czech Republic), Freud developed an early career as a physician and neurologist. He graduated from the University of Vienna in 1881 and for several years focused on research on the nervous system, studying the functioning of the brain in both humans and animals.

Freud is known for emphasizing the role of the unconscious in everyday life. He argued that many of our decisions, desires, and behaviors are guided by processes of which we are not aware. In this framework, he developed the famous model of personality divided into three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego.

Another important contribution was the interpretation of dreams, which he called “the royal road to the unconscious.” This idea was elaborated on in his best-known work, “The Interpretation of Dreams,” published in 1900. Freud also developed concepts such as the Oedipus complex and transference theory, which remain controversial today.

Despite his immense influence, Freud's theories have faced much criticism. Many scholars consider some of his ideas to be difficult to prove scientifically, particularly those related to the role of sexual desires in the development of the individual. However, even critics acknowledge that he opened up new avenues in the study of the human psyche.

Freud's life took a dramatic turn after the Anschluss (1938), when he and his family, because of their Jewish origin, were forced to leave Austria. They settled in London, where he spent the last years of his life.

Freud died on September 23, 1939, after a long battle with oral cancer. According to historical sources, he asked his doctor for pain relief through doses of morphine in his final moments.

During his lifetime, Freud wrote over 20 important works, including “Three Essays on Sexual Theory.” Today, his ideas continue to influence not only psychology, but also fields such as literature, art, and philosophy.

His legacy is preserved in institutions and museums in Vienna and London, while psychoanalysis remains one of the most popular schools of thought in the study of the human mind./CNA