461

INHIBITION, SYMPTOM AND ANXIETY^*

(Hemmung, Symptom und Angst)

BY

BY SIGMUND FREUD

Preface

Only long persuasion on the part of Dr. Clark has influenced
me as to the fitness of writing a preface to this fundamental
work by Freud. I am unfamiliar with American customs, and
with us in Europe this sort of formal introduction is not re-
quired for the scholar may represent the master before the
public; but other countries have other customs. However, more
mature deliberation has finally led me to find this task both
pleasant and sensible,–pleasant because it gives me the oppor-
tunity to express publicly my gratitude for a new and valuable
performance, and sensible because this grateful pupil is not so
badly adapted to direct the attention of the circle of scientific
readers to a work, the study of which helps so much to enlarge
and deepen proper theoretic understanding to master so many
practical aspects of psychoanalytic activity.

This little work, seemingly so modest, is in reality an attempt
by Freud to bring his views on the mechanisms of the neurotic
symptom-formation in harmony with the peak of his now suc-
cessfully established metapsychology. On this occasion and
with unsparing rectitude he has revised all of his leading ex-
pressions as to the sources of energy of the more recent symp-
toms and the wherefore of their makeup; his critical spirit does
not rest until it has disposed of all possible counter-arguments
and when it is unsuccessful he candidly admits the temporary
insolubility of the problems. This justifies my opinion, else-
where expressed, that Freud is actually not a strict Freudian
and refutes the views expressed by hostile critics as to his
“orthodoxy.” It may be foreseen that the same opponents can
gain more important positions by assertions as to inconsequence
and omission without withdrawing their complaints as to ortho-
doxy. In reality the entire fabric of Freud’s psychology of the
neuroses, even after the strictest revision, stands essentially in

^*Authorized translation supervised by L. Pierce Clark.

462

full stability for only on occasion are the foundation pillars
exchanged or shifted to more favorable positions.

Moreover, the other assertion, that the finer makeup of the
ego psychology has destroyed the libido theory formerly erected
by Freud, is absolutely false. From the beginning Freud knew
how to value the importance of the ego impulses as suppressors
of energy although it is only in the present work that he has
succeeded in elaborating this view in detail.

I will forego any attempt to anticipate the contents of this
thesis and will be content to assure the reader that the time
expended in reading it will be richly repaid and will awaken the
impression that the master has again presented us with a work
which may be placed side by side in value with the publications
of his earlier years.

New York, January, 1927. S. FERENCZI (Budapest)