Cumulative Discussion of CCWAA, Volume 2, Chapters I-XVII & SOI
 

This is a cumulative thread containing the messages for "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 2, Journal Articles 1898-1909." The messages covering Chapters I-XVII and "A Study of Organ Inferiority"are listed below.

Discussion of Chapter I, "Health Manual for the Tailoring Trade," started Monday, September 13th.

Discussion of Chapter II, "The Penetration of Social Forces into Medicine," and Chapter III, "An Academic Chair for Social Medicine," started September 20th.

Discussion of Chapter IV, "Town and Country," and Chapter V, "State Aid or Self Help," started September 27th.

Discussion of Chapter VI, "The Physician as Educator," started October 4th.

Discussion of Chapter VII, "Hygiene and Sex," and Chapter VIII, "The Problem of Sex in Upbringing," started on October 11th.

Discussion of Chapter IX, "Three Psycho-Analyses of Inspired Numbers," and Chapter X, "Developmental Defects in Children," started October 18th.

Discussion of Chapter XI, "The Aggession Drive in Life and in the Neurosis," and Chapter XII, "Inheritance of Diseases," started October 25th.

Discussion of Chapter XIII, "The Child's Need for Affection," and Chapter XIV, "The Theory of Organ Inferiority and Its Philosophical and Psychological Meaning," started November 1st.

Discussion of Chapter XV, "A Prostitutes Two Dreams." Chapter XVI, "On the Neurotic Disposition," and Chapter XVII, "Myelodyspalsia" (Organ Inferiority), started November 8th.

Discussion of Part 2, "A Study of Organ Inferiority and Its Psychical Compensation," started November 15th.

Re: Discussions of Alfred Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapter I
 

Abstract, Preview, Ordering Information, and Discussion of Volume 2, Chapter I

Abstract (by James Wolf) of Volume 2, Chapter I: "Health Manual for the Tailoring Trade," [1898]. Adler describes the relationship between the economic conditions of workers in the tailoring trade and the resulting illnesses and medical issues common among those workers. This is not a psychologically focused paper, but is important in that it shows Adler’s interest in the plight of the common man, and his early insights into environmental, economic, and social forces which influence health issues.

For a preview of Chapter I, download http://www.Adlerian.us/cwaa-v2-ch1-prev2.pdf. You'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free at www.adobe.com.

Order Volume 2 now at http://www.Adlerian.us/cw-v2.htm, read Chapter I, and start posting your comments and questions under this message thread.

Re: Discussions of Alfred Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, chapter I
 

Nickle and Dimed in Austria

In "Health Manual for the Tailoring Trade," ("The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 2," Chapter I, pages 1-14) Adler offers a vivid portrait of oppressive working conditions in 1898 Vienna that is reminiscent of Barbara Ehrenreich's contemporary, blistering picture of poverty level wages in the U.S., "Nickel and Dimed, On (Not) Getting By in America." His complete diagnostic perspective on the impact of poverty and unhealthy working conditions is sobering--he details the respiratory, circulatory, structural, muscular, digestive, visual, and dental deterioration, combined with high accident rates and an inadequate medical insurance system. As a reporter, Ehrenreich gives us a powerful impression of "being there." As a physician, Adler gives us an "x-ray" of the impact of these working conditions on the human body. He set a high standard for socially responsible medicine in 1898. Hopefully, more physicians will begin urging legislators to address these similar issues today.

To order "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler, Volume 2," go to http://www.Adlerian.us/cw-v2.htm.

Re: Discussions of Alfred Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapter I
 

In this first article we have received in this new translation, Adler in paragraph one shows the already emerging notion of social interest when he addresses "human ailments, not from the perspective of one individual but as a social product". He is from the beginning of his writing, looking at man in society, not apart from.

In paragraph seven he forsees the need for state intervention in the protection of worker health. This guy was well ahead of his time.

In para six once more he mentions an early form of social interest when he says, "he shares a common interest with his fellow workers".

He predicts the bull/bear market cycles that follow from a free market economy in para 10. He has a good understanding of economics. Not shabby for an ophthalmologist.

On page 5 near the bottom of the page, he shows his already growing understanding of the plight of women. He is already proclaiming the need to emancipate ladies!

He does some good science as he describes the health conditions in the trade with statisical information to support his complaints. (I have been trained in Industrial medicine and have a very real appreciation for his care in drawing conclusions.)

When all is said and done, it his appreciation of the social nature of humans rather than his analysis of the occupational diseases the plagued the trade, that stands out. One could have easily predicted the direction his life would take if one had any training in psychology because "the writing is already on the wall".

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapter I
 

When I read tihis article I see Adler's focus on the individual in his social situation and the discussion of symptoms (here physical symptoms, disease) in that social context. Also implied are the different directions/goals of all those in that social situation - people doing what they see they need to do to make a living in a competitive world, and that some disregard the welfare of their fellow man for the sake of making $. But also here is an optimism that things can improve through education and intervention. Everything has purpose.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapter I
 

As previous writers, I was impressed by Adler's accurate understanding of the economic, financial and social conditions in Austria-Hungary a century ago. I myself worked for a number of years in the Institute for Occupational Medicine here in Helsinki, Finland. I worked in the Department of Psychology, and I was deeply impressed by Adler's careful assesment of the social and economic inlfluences on human health. There are possibly some readers of this paper who need to study more closely the social conditions in fin de siècle - Vienna. Boyer has published on the social and and political history of Austria-Hungary during this period, and he demonstrates the political consequences of the recent social conditions. Consult also the books by Schorske, Toulmin&Janik, and Brigitte Hamann. - Adler's paper describes social and economic conditions that still prevail in many developing countries. It is a well-known fact that the big international companies use the local work-force in some of the poorer countries in the manner described by Adler a century ago. These international companies make orders to some intermediaries who employ the local people in their homes. This is the "cottage industry" described by Adler. I don't want to tell you more about the working conditions there. There is no need to describe them. This work is done already by Adler. - Adler's text is terse, grim, short, accurate and fully packed with information. He knew already exactly what we learned a century later when we studied the WHO-definition of health: "A state of complete social, psychological and physical well-being." What Adler says about ailing the situation sounds very much like the scandinavian model that is so familiar to me: organize production so that the work is done in large firms. Then, employers and the workers can negotiate on equal terms, and the government has some control over the working-conditions. What I fear is that in the globalizing world the future may once again be very much that described by Adler. If you read carefully Adler's paper, you can see that he actually speaks about the problems of globalized industry. See page 3 beginning "The customer's desire to make a selection..."

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters II & III
 

James, George, and Manu have provided an astute, stimulating beginning to our discussion of Adler's journal articles. Our next discussion of Chapters II & III, starts September 20th. To prepare, order your copy of Volume 2 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cw-v2.htm. The following chapter abstracts were created by James Wolf.

Chapter II, "The Penetration of Social Forces into Medicine," written in 1902, traces the influence of social forces on medicine and healing that lead to public health, prevention, and the eventual confrontation of "social misery," as well as other social issues that impact the public health. Adler also comments on the government's role, it's relationship with physicians, and on the role of physicians in the area of public health.

Chapter III, "An Academic Chair for Social Medicine," also written in 1902, expresses the need for a state health care system, and asserts that the politically powerful do not truly have the health care interests of the common people as a priority. In a very strong political statement, Adler calls for a "central organization" for health care, an academic chair, and a seminar for social medicine to investigate health related and social needs.

When posting your comments or questions, please identify the chapter number and/or title at the beginning of your message.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters II & III
 

In Chapters II & III, Adler's eloquent appeal for effective medical insurance, over a century ago, seems remarkably fresh and timely today in the midst of a managed care crisis as well as millions of people without health insurance in the U.S. However, the universal health care programs in other countries are not without serious problems. The task of combining social interest with reasonable economics, and creating quality medical coverage is challenging.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters I-III
 

Re: Vol 2, chaps 2&3:
I'd like to hear from anyone familiar with the history of the Austo-Hungarian Empire and it's social conditions at the time of these articles. Chapter 2 seems to be a comment on the progress being made in the thinking about the importance of improving social conditions as a part of good medicine - and of a growing social democratic/socialist movement in its struggle against the established order. Chap 3 seems to be Adler's expression of anger at the establishment's apathy.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters I-III
 

Yes James, in my opinion your diagnosis is right. However, improving social conditions was not necessarily a socialist idea, but most socialists were thinking in these lines. Deplorably, the original text is not available to me, but I know the central content of Adler's argument in these chapters. There was much to do in improving the social conditions in all the industrializing countries during this era. You may compare Adler's arguments with some of texts by Kafka. He was living and working in Prague during this period - a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. He made his living in service of the National Insurance Company, and he traveled extensively in this country and reported about the social and working conditions in various industries. His reports are very impressive, because they are so accurate and truthful just like Adler's. I think that the picture I get from Kafka's reports makes a very similar impression as Adler's reports. Kafka makes a number of suggestions to improve the working conditions (=safety), even presenting some drawings in order to make his points more concrete. In his youth, Kafka was a member of an anarchistic organization that was forbidden by the authorities because its activities were anti-militaristic and socialistic. This organization had translated and published some writings by Kropotkin - Adler knew also these writings. "Arbeiter-Unfall-Versicherungsanstalt" made, however, during this time a very slow progress, but there were persons like Kafka who understood the social importance of making improvements. I think this example alone demonstrates how much Adler's arguments were in the spirit of the times, and how well Adler understood the challenge of the history. - Concerning your question about the apathy of the government, the central interest of the government was to keep "Ruhe und Ordnung" - peace and order (the words of the previous Emperor). I think you can read between my lines in the Kafka-commentary that the progress in industrial conditions was very slow. In addition, there was a kind of "therapeutic nihilism" among the medical profession. This attitude was known by this very term, and Adler comments on this somewhere. Yes, there was government apathy, but there was a professional apathy as well, a pessimism that conditions can hardly be improved.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters II-III
 

I shall limit myself to just one comment in this present discussion. Adler in chapter 2, on page 17 para 2 foresees the real danger of the state's involvement in health care. That risk arises in the physician when he abrogates his responsibility to the community and allows the government to take everything over. Yes, provision for the poor is necessary albeit there is no valid reason why medicine can not be provided without charge by doctors, nurses and hospitals as has been the case historically. Adler notes "medicine today plays a role in every government activity ... the physicians willingness to allow themselves to be taken in tow by the government instead of taking the lead in these developments." This is what has occurred in Canada. Canadian physicians have allowed the federal and provincial governments to high jack health care with no private sector to keep the government honest. There is no balance because physicians have not taken firm leadership in the delivery of an equitable health care system. We are one of three countries with socialized medicine with no private sector ... it is outlawed! We are in the company of China, Cuba and then Canada in the absence of a private sector. It is outlawed in all three countries!. This is a shameful situation that falls out of the lack of physician committment to the citizens and allows bureauocrates to run the system unchallenged producing a failed health care system that is very, very expensive and very very ineffective. Physicians have a social and moral responsibility to direct health care for the good of the community and not to enhance their own monitary interests. I do hope that the USA does not go down this damaging pathway.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters II-III
 

George, your comments about Canadian health care have prompted me to start following news feeds and running searches on the topic. It appears that you are on the verge of a physician's strike; nurses and hospital workers have resorted to this strategy in the past to improve their economic situation. One interesting perspective on several values embedded in the crisis can be found at http://www.cwhn.ca/resources/kickers/crisis.html.

Many years ago, I had an office in a medical building adjacent to a church-supported community hospital in San Francisco. The physicians were struggling with a tough-minded, cost-cutting adminstration at the hospital, as well as HMO's that severely limited their services to patients. One doctor, an inspiring fireball of independent thinking and action, propsed the formulation of an "Integrated Medical Group" of doctors who would manage their own insurance contracts. The primary thrust of his plan was to put patient care decision-making back in the hands of the doctors. He claimed that his plan could reduce administative overhead from nearly 30% at the HMO's to under 10% by establishing a lean, local office team. The organization formed, enlisted most of the doctors connected with the hospital, and is still operating successfully.

It may be that a strong group of well-organized, socially responsible physicians could propose better solutions to the health care problems in the U.S. I am inclined to trust physicians more than many of our governmental officials and legislators. Unfortunatley, some of the strongest influences in Washington seem to be from sources that have little interest in the common good. Adler had great hopes for doctors to become active agents for many aspects of community improvement.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters IV & V
 

Our next discussion of Chapters IV & V, starts September 27th. To prepare, order your copy of Volume 2 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cw-v2.htm. The following chapter abstracts were created by James Wolf.

Chapter IV, Town and Country (3 parts), written in 1903, challenges the common notion that country living is (currently) healthier than city living, due to the improvement of health conditions in the city, resulting from public health measures, social progress and the growing political power of greater population centers. In Part II, he offers a description of village conditions: the positive consequences of sun and cleaner air; as well as a description of the negative health influences of dirt and uncleanliness. Adler comments on the issue of poverty and the social conditions of villagers and country people. He concludes that villages and cities are interconnected - the health and sanitation conditions of one affect the other. Part III focuses on the interdependence of the country and the city, sanitation, the quality of food, water and the spread of disease. Adler emphasizes the role of physicians and social medicine, and the need to expand an adequate health care system to those living in the country.

Chapter V: State Aid or Self Help (2 parts), was written in 1903. Part I of this article addresses the relationship between the medical profession, the state, the ruling elite and the political forces that negatively affect the equitable distribution of healthcare in Austria. In Part II, Adler discusses the decline of medicine and medical training in Austria as due to the political forces, the system, that holds the medical profession in low regard and which only begrudgingly addresses social issues while attending more to the needs of the ruling elites. He calls on the medical profession to shape it's own future.

When posting your comments or questions, please identify the chapter number and/or title at the beginning of your message.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters I-V
 

RE: Chapters 3 &4. It occurs to me Adler is about 33 years old when he's written these articles and influenced by the radical/progressive thinking of his day. He recognizes here (chapter 4) that the system is self-perpetuating and doesn't see much hope for change. What he says about insurance companies anticipates the situation with managed care in the present day. In the last paragraph of Chapter 4 he states that "The medical profession can shape it's future only by it's own powers." I've always wondered if Adler ever supported the idea violent revolution in his more youthful days (considering his wife's politics) and what point he gave that up. here he seems to think the system will die out in the long run, and that physicians must take the lead themselves in working for change.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters I-V
 

Yes, James, I also have also wondered how radical Adler really was in his younger days. However, my conclusion is that Adler never really supported any violent means. He took part in the discussions of the socialist student organizations (where he met his future wife) simply because social issues were not discussed in conservative-nationalistic organizations. These organizations have been described by Stefan Zweig in his memoirs, and commented by Freud who saw in them only "a compact majority". There was lots of drinking, flag-waving, fighting and brawling, and nationalistic heat. The various nationalities were fighting each other - Germans against Czechs, Czechs against Italians, and so on. Later on, Adler spoke sometimes about "misunderstood nationalism". Possibly he meant these organizations, and what emerged from them. The real social issues were debated in those organizations where Adler participated. - In his paper "Town and Country" Adler develops the thesis of a contrast between town and country in health-matters. His answer is that town and country are really interdependent of each other, and this creates a need to develop a better social medicine in the countryside. More doctors, nurses, and hygienists are needed in the country in order to have a better coverage of social-medical services. Adler had spent his childhood in a suburb that lay between Vienna and the countryside. His parents came from a country-area on the Hungarian side. His father was involved in the grain-business, so the family preserved deep ties with the country in spite of the fact that they were living in Vienna. All this creates a need for more government funds for health-care, although Adler himself does not explicitly make this conclusion - it is left for the readers to make it. - In his paper on "State Aid or Self Help" Adler develops the thesis that the existing political structures in the Habsburg-empire are not able to respond to the real health-needs of the population. Adler thinks that the insurance-plans have not produced what should be expected of them, that the insurance companies are only interested in profits and that the medical profession has not the freedom it deserves. Even medical research and teaching are subdued under governmental authorities. Adler's conclusion is more gloomy than in the previous paper: that medical profession can only help itself, "its future only by its own powers". I feel that this paper is even more political than the previous one. I think that the idea of this paper was to wake up the medical profession, to make alarm: see how badly we are! We must take the challenge, we must respect our own ethics and professional obligations! We must make things better! So don't sleep, act! Adler was thinking very much about the living-conditions of the ordinary people, and he felt that by making a professional effort, things could be changed. There is a better health-care somewhere to be found, if a real professional effort is made.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters IV
 

A news item in the Seattle Times on 9/28/04, adds an interesting contemporary wrinkle to Adler's comments in Chapter IV ("Town and Country") about the relative health conditions in city and country living. In an article titled "Living in suburban sprawl may hurt health, study says," Rob Stein of the Washington Post reports that life in the sprawling suburbs leads to a greater risk for arthritis, asthma, headaches, stomach problems, urinary-tract infections, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It is hypothesized that urban sprawl discourages physical activity, increasing the chances of being overweight or obese. Also, sprawling communities promote a car-dependent lifestyle, experience more air pollution, and have an abundance of fast food chains. According to the study, those people living in spread-out places have more health problems and shorter lives than people living in more compact communities. No conclusions about mental health were reached.

Re: Discussions of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapter VI
 

Our next discussion of Chapters VI, starts October 4th. To prepare, order your copy of Volume 2 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cw-v2.htm. The following chapter abstract was created by James Wolf.

In Chapter VI, "The Physician as Educator," written in 1904, Adler identifies the problem inherent in educating the child. He identifies the goals and traits of an educator and also the traits and educational power of a good physician. He makes reference to Freud's emphasis on children and the importance of and knowledge of the child's psyche. Aspects of the child's education are mentioned as well as the importance of love and affection, the role of the parents and others in the child's life. He comments on punishment, spanking, and other forms of discipline, positive and negative, related to specific problem areas. He identifies typical issues with children and important points the physician-educator should be aware of. This article reveals Adler's early interest in child guidance and education.

When posting your comments or questions, please identify the chapter number and/or title at the beginning of your message. On October 10th, this thread will be merged with the Volume 2 cumulative thread.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Article, Volume 2, Chapter VI: "The Physician as Educator"
 

"The Physician as Educator" (1904) is an early paper that documents Adler's interest in psychological and educational issues. Adler had joined Freud's "Wednesday Society" in 1902, and his interests now included psychological, educational and social issues. In contrast to Freud, Adler thinks that human beings are malleable, and environmental influences have a definite say in the formation of human personality. He writes that no one who believes in hereditary determinism is not a suitable person as educator. Here one may see that differences start growing between him and Freud who believed in a biological-style determinism. One of the important goals in education is, according to Adler, personal growth. It is the task of the educator to enhance this growth. Adler feels that there is a great potential in physicians as educators: "The human soul must become a familiar instrument and, like the educator, he must avoid wasting his strenght on superficial manifestations." Adler refers to two important works in the history of psychology: Preyer's "The Soul of the Child" and Karl Groos' "On the Inner Life of the Child". Furthermore, Adler refers to Freud. However, Freud was pessimist: he had no great trust in the possibilities of education. Adler emphasizes the importance of physical education for the well-being of the child. This aspect is very important again in our days. Adler devotes a lenghty discussion on the subject of punishment. According to him, punishment cannot be avoided but physical punishment and other aggressive forms of punishment must be avoided by all means. He discusses the problem of lying, and he writes that it is important to discuss calmly the motive for lying. If this can be done reasonably, the lying may possibly stop. Direct confrontation is often harmful. Adler speaks of the importance of the conscience. Adler discusses organ inferiority, a theme that would become a central trait of his psychology. Adler does not deny the importance of sexuality, but thinks that the important goal is to educate the child toward becoming a useful member of the community. - It is very interesting to see how certain things were "in the air" at the turn of the century. Then, about a century ago, the Finnish government, acting under the rule of the Russian Emperor, decided that physical punishment should be forbidden in schools. His Grace, the Emperor of Russia, accepted this proposal, and an act was given by the Czar, even if this rule was restricted to Finland. Adler himself refers to a law given in Habsburg-empire where physical punishment was forbidden. We all know that it took a long time before the prohibition of physical punishment developed from an idea to everyday practice. What I find still more interesting in Adler's paper is his idea that the goal of education is to enhance psychological growth. If one takes into account the time when Adler published his ideas, I take them very advanced.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Article, Volume 2, Chapter VI: "The Physician as Educator"
 

Manu, your post was very interesting. I had no idea corporal punishment had been forbidden by law that early in Finland or anywhere else. Adler certainly was in the forefront. I also thought it was quite good you picked up on Adler's statement about those who believe in the power of heredity so strongly and this marked, perhaps, an early indication of his disagreement with Freud. Nature vs. Nurture is still very much in discussion with the all the research in genetics. Also there was a recent article (May 20) in Time Magazine about The Teenage Brain and how it develops, not fully maturing until about age 25. Through brain imaging, some researchers are emphasizing that the neuro-physiological development explains much of your typical teenagers behavior - much more than purely psychological influences there. Even so, Adler's ideas and principles seem so important in to influence the building of self esteem and connectedness. This short article lays out an outline of future Adlerian child guidance work - Driekurs and to present day advocates. Also here is the idea that child rearing cannot be separate from community/societal interests.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Article, Volume 2, Chapter VI: "The Physician as Educator"
 

Yes James, the brain-physiology is important. However, I think there are some studies that demonstrate that the maturing is not totally a biological process. I cannot remember now any exact references, but there is, I believe, some evidence that environmental factors may act as boosters or brakes in the development of individual personality. I think that it was D.O.Hebb who made a number of interesting (albeit ethically questionable) experiments with apes that demonstrated that sensory deprivation may delay the development of brain functions. So if something is correlated with brain processes, it could mean that these brain processes are enhanced or delayed by environmental influences. If small babies grow up in a stimulating and friendly environment, this should have an impact on their brains. All this brings to my mind a slogan that the father of modern Finnish psychology, Eino Kaila, often used: structure determines function, but function determines structure as well. From him stems another slogan: my drives compel my will, but my will compels my drives as well!

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Article, Volume 2, Chapter VI: "The Physician as Educator"
 

An interesting aspect of brain physiology is the coincidence of the development of the prefrontal lobes (that allow us to plan and rehearse future actions) at the same time that Adler claims the life style is initially formed in early childhood.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Article, Volume 2, Chapter VI: "The Physician as Educator"
 

Antonio R. Damasio presents a useful discussion on the frontal and prefrontal lobes and their psychological functions in his book "Descartes' Error". The frontal and prefrontal areas have seemingly an important function with the higher functions of the human personalitys. I mean especially social behavior and social feeling. A damage in these areas may result in reckless behavior and in various social disturbances. These areas have a role in higher-level emotions and in what Eino Kaila calls "articulation of behavior". Lack of these guiding functions may result in socially non-adaptive behavior. So one may really wonder whether these brain areas could play a role in the formation of the life-style? At least this sounds a plausible hypothesis.

Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters VII & VIII (Sexuality)
 

Our next discussion of Chapters VII & VIII, starts October 11th. To prepare, order your copy of Volume 2 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cw-v2.htm. The following chapter abstracts were created by James Wolf.

Chapter VII: "Hygiene and Sex" was written 1904 and reflects some of the common biases of the time. Part I of this article is a commentary on the work of Professor Max Gruber. Discussed here are the importance of sexual hygiene, prevention of venereal disease, related sexual behavior, and the issue of sexual gratification. In Part II, Adler emphasizes the role of attitude vs. glandular function as of importance to the physician. Adler disagrees with Gruber about the consequences of "immoderation" in sex. He comments on birth control, homosexuality, masturbation, and control of the sex drive.

Chapter VIII: "The Problem of Sex in Upbringing," written in 1905, discusses childhood sexuality, the purpose of sexuality and sensuousness, and cautions regarding too much early sensual gratification and stimulation. Adler comments on pathological developments, sexual pre-maturity, seduction in childhood, and other influences related to the child's parents. He examines issues around shame and disgust, cultural adjustment and the submerging of sexuality. He comments on normally developing children, the inappropriateness of punishment to counter sexual abnormalities and the need for a trained pedagogue.

A few of Adler's early comments about sexuality may strike some readers as "politically incorrect." The editor has chosen to retain all of the text intact, without eliminating or modifying controversial material. It is hoped that in the interest of scholarship and historical accuracy, the reader will understand that some of the early opinions that were typical in Adler's time and place are no longer consistent with the current assumptions of Classical Adlerian Psychology. Adler's respect and compassion for all people transcends his occasional blunt and penetrating comments about the social meaning and impact of diverse attitudes.

When posting your comments or questions, please identify the chapter number and/or title at the beginning of your message. On October 17th, this thread will be merged with the Volume 2 cumulative thread.
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Re: Cumulative Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Volume 2, Chapters I-VI
 

Some comments on Volume 2, chapter VI


I think what renders Adler unique is his consistent and relentless teleological thinking. In this chapter, The physician as Educator, this thread starts to unfold. By para 2, he is thinking teleologically when he says, "everything that we can see in a human being, admire, or hate is nothing but the sum of his characteristics and THE MANNER IN WHICH HE MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD". (capitals mine). The person is shown to have a unifying principal by which he moves ... the way he wishes to be known, as distinct from the drive/instinctual psychology of Freud!

As a physician I wish that I and all my collegues would submit to a qualifying oath as physicians to "scrutinize (our) own qualities and development as well as those of others" as we "know the heights and depths of the human soul". The deep compassionate commitment he suggests would serve mankind so well if we "have the strength to overcome (our) own personal tendencies and to immerse himself into the personality of another and to scoop out of the shaft of anothers soul whatever is lacking for growth". Thus the physician (OK we're not a closed club, psychologists and educators need to do the same), needs a deep understanding OF HIS OWN LIFE STYLE before he can start this process of loving excavation. And yes, in this sort of relationship for healing, value judgements are essential. We must discern with caring eyes, what is lacking and as fellow men who love, we must then seek to fill it up with courage.

Adler's rejection of "the chasing of symptoms" is evident in para 4 when he says "avoid wasting his strength on superficial manifestations" No, No No, we do not engage ourselves with the "anxiety" or the "depression" or any other symptom in DSM in whatever the current catalogue is, we go straight to the soul and seek to discern what it is the patient seeks to move toward through the fiction of moving to a perceived position of personal superiority and away from the greater good of mankind. Adler has all this in germ form from his earliest writing. He sees the symptoms as creations of a troubled soul seeking refuge in the fortress of the fiction before he even has discovered the word "fiction". This fortress excludes all but those that are useful to it and it brings little benefit to humanity. What an insight this man has. I am so greatful that we have been gifted in our history by his careful thought. I believe he is to psychology what Einstein is to physics. Someone has said this and as usual, I can not reference it. If anyone can please let me know.

A burden is placed on the physician's shoulders on page 33 when he refers to the educational power of physicians. I must say that as a physician, my main task even with clinical disease was educational. In this mechanistic, post modern society, will the physician once more "take up this cross" or will we abdicate this duty and pursue a "business model". Want to see physician burn out ... go down the business model path and very soon the physician will have exhausted his good will and will become avaricious, egocentric and even may become abusive. We must in the healing professions, address the souls of mankind to bring the greatest blessing to the greatest number. This is a burden and this is our delight and joy.

Now over to page 35. "The most important aid in education is love." Now that should hit us right between the eyes. I know he is speaking of children but it sure sounds like a quote from Christian scripture when saint Paul a jewish legal scholar of 2000 years ago says "If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrifice my own body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever". (1 Cor 13:3 NLT) Are we then as therapists to love our patients? I believe the answer is yes! It is a professional love, but it is filled with gentle compassion and kindly wisdom. Only when we feel with these hurting folks and see gently through their eyes, then and only then, can we help them to find the courage that heals the self and thus the soul.

I like Adler's concepts regarding punishment. The punishment must fit the mistake and only be to teach and encourage. There is no place for egotistical harshness that will only discourage. The emphasis on "praise and reward" we carry into our work with these children as adults. How often when an insight we have been trying to achieve is arrived at, must we be delighted that they have just come to a realization that we have been trying to teach them. We must never take any credit for the growth. We do not need it. It is the patient's moment of joy and we rejoice with them.

His summation paragraph is wonderful. "THEREFORE, ONLY THOSE ARE SUITABLE AS TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS WHO THEMSELVES HAVE DEVELOPED A SOCIAL SENSE". Those who are obdurate, individualistic, egotistical, or fatalistic, especially if THEY BELIEVE IN INHERITED QUALITIES THAT CAN NOT BE CHANGED, ONLY CAUSE HARM". That is extremely strong language, but it is the language of hope and passion. May we as an Adlerian community never surrender this hope to the mechanistic, heridItary biologically deterministic models that permeate much of our university psychology services. It is an empty well with no hope or cure. We are surgeons of the soul. Our scapel is our "clear logic and intuition" that wakens "the healing forces in the patient". We pursue the "soul life" (seelenleben) of these people to "awaken and encourage them". Now there is a teaching job that will occupy all the remaining days we are granted and this we can do with enthusiasm and great joy.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters VII & VIII (Sexuality)
 

Chapter 8
It is easy to see in this chapter that Sigmund Freud's influence is quite prevalent. Adler has not yet thought through the implications of a drive psychology. As an Adlerian, I find it a bit of a stretch to believe erotic feelings arise in little child as it experiences the warm love of the mother's breast. If we move on to page 45 of the text Adler's own thinking begins to appear. He realizes that a single cell lives in a community with social interactions. The cell itself is interdependent, not independent. Thus the very fabric of the child's organism prepares the child for life in community. A little further down the page Adler says " The cultivation of the child stands and falls with the successful transference of capabilities driven by sensory impulses to those driven by the demands of his culture". Still further down this page his teleological thinking once more appears when he speaks about " a satisfactory goal ". I appreciate very much that he says " The surest sign of the capacity to manage the challenges of our culture is not to be deterred by the trials and tribulations entailed in a goal oriented venture ". He goes on to point out that such an attitude must be established in earliest childhood. So although sexuality has a primary function of maintaining the species, it is primarily a social activity with a goal.
Going to page 46, Sigmund Freud's influence is perhaps a little too evident. However, Adler argues that the sexual influence diminishes greatly by age two or three to be replaced by the love of mother and father as a guide to embracing the prevailing culture. By the middle of the page he is clearly at odds with Freud when he sees "sexuality submerge (emphasis mine) to make room for a growing cultural adjustment".
On page 48, I suspect a mature Adler would retract or modify one statement. He says "the blame never rests with the child but always lies in the upbringing". I would not deny that a faulty upbringing creates problems, but Adler will go on to hold us accountable for our choices as he escapes those less useful aspects of Freud's early thinking. Eventually he will tell us that the circumstances alone do not excuse our behaviours, but they are based rather on conclusions that are lacking in care for the community of mankind when they move in a wrong direction. Of course an encouraging upbringing will have a very different potential outcome, than one that is discouraging.
It is quite interesting how soon Adler diverges from Freud an the libidinal construct moving very fluidly to the "man in community" concept even in the sexual arena.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters VII & VIII (Sexuality)
 

Chapters VII and VIII are not most important papers in Adler's production. However, these papers are historically interesting and they contain some valuable insights. Some of the latter have been pointed by George Neeson above. We are all children of our times, and so was Alfred Adler. These contributions are somewhat biased if one takes the perspective of the modern times. However, if one looks at these two papers from a contemporary perspective (fin de siècle), it becomes evident that the arguments presented are, after all, quite progressive and humane. In "Hygiene and Sex", Adler discusses masturbation, homosexuality, and other manifestations of sexuality on the basis of a book by professor Max Gruber, "Hygiene of Sex". Adler is strongly influenced by Freud, as George Neeson says. So it is evident that Adler takes a neutral, medical viewpoint here, not primarily a moralistic one - already that is significant. August Strindberg (1849-1912), the great Swedish writer, tells in his autographic trilogy how he was scared as a teenager because of the horror-stories told to him by teachers and priests. He found, finally, an understanding physician who was able to calm him down simply by telling that young August would not become mentally subnormal, his brain would not soften, and his spine would remain intact in spite of his "sins". As an old man telling this story, August Strindberg still had a feeling of great gratitude because the medical doctor had helped him so remarkably. I think that in the harsh Victorian moral climate Adler's ideas were, in spite some biases, a real advancement. Take e.g. Adler's discussion of immoderation in chapter VII (Part 2). Gruber discusses "immoderation" and defines a set of symptoms that occur in this context. It is very easy thing for Adler to demonstrate that the symptoms mentioned by Gruber are simply general neurotic symptoms that are hardly connected in any way with any kind of "immoderation". Adler critisizes also justly, I think, that the concept of sexual gratification does not play any role in Gruber's text. Today, hardly anyone would understand that human sexuality could be discussed meaningfully without any concept of sexual gratification. In addition, Adler says that autoeroticism between the ages 14 and 18 years is almost normal and quite harmless. Adler and Gruber both agree that the method of creating fear for allaying masturbation is destructive and reprehensible. Today, we can hardly understand how important and how revolutionary these insights were still a century ago. - Similarly, "The Problem of Sex in Upbringing" , is strongly influenced by Freud. At the same time, Adler has some moralistic, almost puritan prejudices that are lurking behind. He seems to think that "sensuousness " is some kind of problem. There are some statements that are from our point of view are simply not true, e.g. that bed-wetting is caused by early sexual development. However, even in this paper that seems to be addressed to educators, there are some notable good points. Adler says that "sexuality submerges to make room for growing cultural adjustment". Here he argues from developmental-psychological perspective. This adjustment takes place, according to Adler, after the infant phase, before college. After this period, sexuality returns with a great dynamism. What Adler has here to say about sexual problems of teenagers, is not totally imaginary moralism. Remember the age. Read, if possible, the novel written by the Austrian writer Robert Musil (1880-1942), "The Adventures of the Student Toerless". Here Robert Musil writes about life in a boarding school in Habsburg-empire. It is psychologically very interesting story, and reading it convinces you easily that there is some truth in Adler's warnings in the context of his times. Adler's humanism can be clearly seen in his words: "I find it most deplorable to counter sexual bewilderment with beatings, threats of eternal punishment, or of an impending sickness." Finally, Adler refers to adverse social conditions that result in erronoeus upbringing of the child. Adler stresses very much that threats and punishments are improper ways of handling educational problems. I think that Adler's ideas were really progressive in his times. Today, we should understand that some of his expressions may cause some irritation, but as I said in the beginning of this commentary, even Adler was a child of his times - as we are ours'.

Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters IX & X (Child Development)
 

Our next discussion of Chapters IX & X, starts October 18th. To prepare, order your copy of Volume 2 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cw-v2.htm. The following chapter abstracts were created by James Wolf.

Chapter IX: In "Three Psycho-Analyses Concerning Inspired Numbers," written in 1905, Adler analyzes, comments on and confirms the validity of Freud's work about the deeper meaning of the choice of numbers in three specific cases: the first two cases are the self-analysis' of two people, the third case is Adler's own analysis.

Chapter X: In "Developmental Defects in Children," written in 1907, Adler begins this article with a statement about the importance of children and attending to their needs for the future of society. He moves on to discuss various childhood physical abnormalities and conditions that cause suffering in children and affect their performance and functioning. He mentions "bad habits" that develop (thumb sucking, etc.). He expresses optimism that with modern science, early recognition and intervention, attitudes of prejudice and hopelessness will be overcome.

When posting your comments or questions, please identify the chapter number and/or title at the beginning of your message. On October 24th, this thread will be merged with the Volume 2 cumulative thread.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters IX & X (Child Development)
 

These two papers - Chapter IX and Chapter X in Vol. 2 of CCWAA, the first on numbers, the second on developmental defect in children, stem from a time when Adler still identified himself as psycho-analyst. Chapter IX discusses "inspired numbers". This is a theme that was characteristic for early writings in psychoanalysis. The numbers were generally interesting, and it was generally known that many people connected special properties with certain numbers. These beliefs were, of course, merely superstitions but they posed psychologically intriguing problems. Why was it that these special properties were associated with certain numbers? Freud studied these questions with the help of free associations. Adler seems to think that "what is revealed about a person' psyche is considerable by itself". Adler then tells the story of three analyses, based on the method of free association. The third was carried out by Adler himself, the other two are based on the stories told by the concerning persons themselves. Adler seems to have been succesful in soothing the third client's anxiety explaining to him the meaning of a number that was of special significance to him. The paper is rather heavy with psychoanalytic jargon, but Adler's final interpretation of the client's problems is, after all, a social-psychological one: the number 39 had some special meaning to the client. He was 39 years old and expected some misfortune. On the other hand, the number 39 divides into 3 x 13 (a bad luck number). Even if Adler is discussing biological and sexual background, and uses concepts like "unconscious" and "resistance", he finally seems to think that the most important factors are final fictions - explaining the number 39 as a final fiction that provoked the client's anxiety and fear.
Chapter X on the developmental problems is rather different. It begins with a kind of manifesto that carries a deep humane and political content: "In our children lies the future of our people! ... Our sweat, that is their peace;their health, that is our struggle." And so on. Adler emphasizes two aspects: Adverse social conditions and a lack of understanding for the physical and mental health of the children. Adler discusses the physical development of the child. Many of his observation are valuable today, some ar outdated as e.g. the discussion on disfigured ears, or that physical abnormality is a sign of degeneration. The concept of degeneration is today no more used. In its time it played a significant role that is of some sociological interest today. Some of Adler's observations clearly follow from a bad nourishment-situation especially among the lower classes, but also among the middle-class population. Adler himself had rickets in his boyhood. - When discussing behavioral problem, Adler mentions some "bad habits", but his attitude here is humane. He says that these problems should not be met with strictness. In the end of his paper, Adler points to an early idea of organ inferiority discussing the psychological problems that may result from physical defects. He refers to Shakespeare's Richard III, and cites the place where the Duke of Gloucester says: ... I am determined to to prove a villain." I hope to be able to return to this incredibly well chosen illustration of a psychological problem, as introduced by Adler, later on in more detail. In the end of this paper Adler makes a very fine observation: prejudice which exacerbates defects finally should vanish as should such hurtful expressions as "Beware the marked person". Adler speaks for optimism and encouraging. He refers to Helen Keller - what an impressive ending for a paper that discusses physical and psychological problems. Here, Adler seems to think that there are always some ways to overcome our difficulties and to prepare a better future for our children.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters IX & X (Child Development)
 

I'd be most interested in reading your further comments about Richard III, or any other Shakespearean characters. Adler also makes reference to Shakespeare's Macbeth and Julius Caesar (pages 66 & 380 in "The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler"); Romeo and Juliet in his 1936 article "Love is a Recent Invention" (Volume 7 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler," to be published early 2005); and Hamlet in "Repression and the Masculine Protest," 1911 (Volume 3 of CCWAA).

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters IX & X (Child Development)
 

I was intrigued to read Adler's account of his psycho-analysis concerning numbers (chapter IX). It seems to represent an early example of Adler's belief that we know more than we understand, and illustrates the astonishing breadth of unconscious thought (a concept which I perceive as being important to Adler throughout his career, only comprehended in a different manner - holistically, as an aspect (or capability) of the person (rather than a distinct entity which is "not me" but is somehow within), and which is more readily accessible than Freud believed was the case). I agree with Manu that Adler is able to make strong interpretations of the material which make use of the person's context.

In regards to the second article (chapter X), one cannot but be impressed with Adler's obvious concern for the health of children and his efforts to make improvements in their condition.

Trevor Hjertaas, Psy. D.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters IX & X (Child Development)
 

In the beginning of Shakespeare's "Richard III"; the Duke of Gloucester enters the stage and says the famous words: " Now is the winter of our discontent ..." The Duke of Gloucester continues his gloomy soliloquy in extremely dark colors. I remember the film-interpreration by Laurence Olivier where a shadow of Richard is seen on the wall in the beginning of this monologue - the shadow of the misshapen Duke. It tells all - Richard is physically deformed, and he wants to revenge: "Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time." He is so ugly "that dogs bark at me as I halt by them..." Thus, he develops a hatred that is based on his organ inferiority "And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover/To entertain these fair well-spoken days/I am determined to prove a villain..." The Duke changes to a pathological criminal and murderer: "Plots have I laid, inductions dangerous..." Shakespeare's Richard III is masterly analysis of person who becomes a criminal because of his striving to power - in order to compensate his physical weakness. I believe Adler saw very clearly the psychological background of this criminal king: 1) I am weak/I am ugly/people dislike me/no one cares/no woman loves me ever, 2) I want to be powerful/strong/a King, 3) In order reach my goals, I'll murder and I'll lie and I'll deceive and betray, 4) In the end, I'll be the most powerful person in the world. The I can revenge to everyone. This will be my final compensation. Then world will see things they never could imagine. This is Richard's private logic, based on his neurotic final fictions.

Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters XI & XII (Aggression)
 

Our next discussion of Chapters XI & XII, starts October 24th. To prepare, order your copy of Volume 2 of "The Collected Clinical Works of Alfred Adler" at http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/cw-v2.htm. The following chapter abstracts were created by James Wolf.

Chapter XI: "The Aggression Drive in Life and in the Neurosis, written in 1908 is a major step for Adler in the development of his psychology. Still in the camp of drive theory, he presents a theory of drives and their interactions. He emphasizes the aggression drive over the sexual and other drives as the primary determiner, organizer and director, of the other drives in forming the person's attitude to the world. He discusses the "innate feeling of community", "social feeling", as restraint to the drives, their most important "regulatory mechanism".

Chapter XII: In "Inheritance of Diseases," written in 1908, Adler discusses the inheritance of disease, what was believed in his day, and what questions remained. He addresses health, environmental, social and psychological forces that may influence genetic transmission and development.

When posting your comments or questions, please identify the chapter number and/or title at the beginning of your message. On November 1st, this thread will be merged with the Volume 2 cumulative thread.

Re: Cumulative Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters I-X
 

In contrast to the fictional, negative, private logic of Richard III, it is interesting to compare other conclusions about physical limitations. I watched a PBS program last night about the history of the American, Broadway musical. In an interview with Bob Fosse about his innovative dance choreography, he explained that his unique style grew out of self-perceived limitations: he began using a hat in routines, because he was getting bald; many of his shoulder hunching movements, grew out of feeling of being too "round-shouldered;" and his "toe-in" leg movements sprouted from a difficulty in "turning out." This was a fascinating example of a useful, positive, creative compensation for felt limitations.

Re: Cumulative Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters I-X
 

Yes, Henry, I think it is important to remind all of us that the inferiority-feelings may, in fact, result in finest possible compensations - in arts, in literature, in music, in humanitarian work, and so on. As a young student I listened to the lectures in psychiatry by professor Martti Kaila who was a brother of Eino Kaila, the Finnish philosopher-psychologist. He was talking often about inferiority and compensation. He himself had some problem in his left foot, and he was limping. He mentioned as example a committee that was in charge of organizing medical social and social services for disabled persons. After the exhausting wars, we had many wounded people here in Finland. He pointed out that almost everyone who was involved in the humanitarian work of this committee was somehow physically handicapped. These people with some influence in society wanted to help their fellow-citizens. Think about Beethoven who was deaf, or about the many fine artists who have some visual defect. What we'll become, depends on our leading idea - is it power, or is it service for humanity?

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters XI & XII (Aggression)
 

Whereas Adler's views on the equality of women were ahead of his time, his criticism of homosexuality in Chapter XI (and elsewhere) reflects the common bias of his time and place. These opinions, coming out of the early 1900's in Vienna, do not represent contemporary Classical Adlerian psychotherapy. While we respect every individual's sexual choice, we apply the same psychological criteria to all relationships, promoting increased cooperation, respect, equality, mutual benefit and empathy, and working to eliminate domination, subordination, depreciation, exploitation, or abuse. Adler's comments have been retained in the text in the interest of scholarship and historical accuracy.

Re: Cumulative Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters I-X
 

Manu, I'm not sure if you have this resource, but I just ordered a copy of this new, expanded edition. In "Cradles of Eminence," (Second Edition: Childhoods of More Than Seven Hundred Famous Men and Women) by Victor Goertzel, Mildred Goertzel, Ted Goertzel and Ariel M.W. Hansen, the authors explore the many-faceted roots (both positive and negative) that can stimulate outstanding achievement. A few of their findings about early difficulties are excerpted below.

"...Handicaps such as blindness; deafness; being crippled, sickly, homely, undersized, or overweight; or having a speech defect occur in the childhoods of over one-fourth of the sample. In many of these individuals, the need to compensate for such handicaps is seen by them as a determining factor in their drive for achievement."

"...Among explorers and adventurers, there is almost always a history of accident-proneness."

"...Seventy-four of eighty-five writers of fiction or drama and sixteen of twenty poets come from homes where, as children, they saw tense psychological dramas played out by their parents."

Re: Cumulative Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters I-X
 

The book by Goertzel et al. is unknown to me, but it seems to be of great interest for everyone who is exploring the horizons of human achievement. Today, some people who are experts in literature and arts say that one should the text itself, or the art-work itself, and forget totally all psychological (and biographical, e.g. medical) connections alltogether. For me, this is a weird idea. One can study the art-work in itself, but knowing the biographical factors is of great help in understanding what the author/artist is trying to tell us. Take e.g. Proust. For a long time, I had difficulties in understanding his texts. After studying his biography, I felt a great sympathy for the person and started really to read him with my eyes sharpened. - Thank you for your hint. I'll try to locate the book somewhere here.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters XI & XII (Aggression)
 

Reading Adler's article on the aggression drive (chapter XI), I was impressed by the numerous insights and by its importance.

Although Adler would, of course, later expand his views and find many manifestations of upward striving in the direction of social interest, I believe the aggression "drive" is something which is often seen clinically and should not be neglected by contemporary Adlerians (although to be understood as one possible expression of upward striving, rather than as a "drive"). Certainly the great authors have all been keenly aware of competitiveness, vindictiveness, large and small cruelties, and even murderousness. Adler was willing to acknowledge these long before Freud was.

It seems to me an error to merely view the "aggression drive" as an early manifestation of upward striving, a conceptualization to be discarded as the theory progressed. Rather, I believe that this aggressive striving is an unfortunate element in our human society and that Adler proposed social interest as a compensatory measure to help overcome it. Although this idea is already present in this paper, Adler did more forcefully affirm this direction for Individual Psychology following the horrors of World War I. Acknowledging the harsher aspects of existence, as Adler does in this chapter, saves the clinician from losing empathy with the slights and injuries which his or her client has undoubtedly suffered in the world and to which he or she now responds to in kind, seeing no other solution. Adler offers a better solution.

Trevor Hjertaas, Psy. D.

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters XI & XII (Aggression)
 

In Chapter XI, "The Aggression Drive..." Adler discusses agression, its manifestations and its possible connections. His way of approaching this problem is heavily indebted to Freud. He is using the concept of "drive". An important concept in this connection is "confluence". A useful discussion on this idea may be found in Ansbacher & Ansbacher, The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler (see page 30 ff.). In Adler's presentation, pp. 62 - 63, paragraph 1, Adler presents a theory of drive that reminds one of Jung. Adler accepts the idea that a drive is something that is common to a history mankind. He even mentions the idea of race. All this indicates that the discussion is rather heavily dominated by contemporary ideas that penetrated psychology, psychiatry, and biology at the turn of the century. Later on, Adler would take a somewhat more reserved view on the idea of drive. In the beginning of the Ansbacher & Ansbacher edition of Adler's writings, you may find a message written by Adler to Heinz L. Ansbacher: "Do not forget the most important fact that not heredity and not environment are determining factors. - Both are giving only the frame and the influences which are answered by the individual in regard to his styled creative power." I think that it is most important to keep in mind this citation when reading Adler's early works. You can easily see how much Adler's views changed during his intellectual development. Write up these words on a piece of paper and keep it as a reminder of Adler's deepest and possibly best formulated message! - Returning to the 1908 paper, Adler presents there a useful discussion of the concept of drive. I think that his analysis is still valid, and reminds one very strongly of a discussion in any basic psychology text today (I mean especially paragraphs 1 - 3). What is typially Adlerian, is his introduction of the concept of compensation. Adler is gradually turning to a more psychological direction. The paper contains some wonderful psychological insights, e.g. the Lichtenberg-quotation on page 66. The social feeling is introduced as a regulator of the aggression drive. Like aggression, it is also an inherited drive. Later on, Adler would emphasize the primary position of the social feeling. If the the individual is isolated, if she feels hurt and humiliated, aggression may be the result. - In the next Chapter XII, Adler presents a discussion on the inheritance of diseases. One should take into account that this discussion is also heavily indebted to contemporary sources - Mendel, Weissman, Darwin. DNA and the deepest mechanisms of heredity were at that time unknown. Adler finds a correlation with social circumstances even here. The development of the individual is connected with economic conditions (p. 71) "An enormous number of defects that continue in the organs arise from the way we live." (p. 74). Adler presents in his paper two central points: 1) that social and economic factor have a decisive influence on the health of the individual, 2) that evolution and what Adler calls "progress" may change the biological and psychological phenotype of humankind into a better and stronger direction. It would be absolutely wrong to say that Adler is advocating some kind of survival-of-the fittest ideology here. In contrast, he emphasizes the need to take care of those who are in weakest position. See e.g. his discussion on child labor (pp.73-74). "Medical science, a social consciousness, but also our culture demanding that every individual be capable of working, have deepened the interest in the infirm." (p. 73).

Re: Discussion of Adler's Journal Articles, Vol. 2, Chapters XI & XII (Aggression)
 

The prior comments about Adler's early thoughts on an aggression drive, and his later revision, echoed a recent experience reading two authors about the philosophy of martial arts. Joe Hyamns in "Zen in the Martial Arts" relates a series of anecdotes and observations about his training and relationships with several masters, including Bruce Lee. He appears to have struggled for many years with the control and channeling of his own aggression and competitiveness, often looking for encounters to prove or refine his fighting power, then seeking some periodic relief of tension and peace of mind. By contrast, Wong Kiew Kit, in "The Complete Book of Tai Chi Chuan," offers a perspective on using the martial arts as a path to health. Although the slow practice of Tai Chi is beneficial for physical well-being, when speeded up, the same movements can be effective for defense and attack. However, the big difference between Hyams and Kit is their appetite for aggression. Apparently, both are capable of hurting an opponent. Hyams seems to relish the win-lose combat opportunity; Kit has a graduated perspective on fighting: 1) avoid it entirely, whenever possible; 2) if attacked, first attempt to withdraw and suggest an alternative solution; 3) if the attack persists, disable the opponent just enough to stop him and cause him to reconsider; 4) if the attack appears to be life-threatening, completely disable or even kill the opponent rapidly, if necessary. We could say that both of these martial artists have "an aggression capability and potential." The difference is how each "uses" this human possibility.

Sophia de Vries told me that Adler was gentle as a lamb with his patients, but could be a ferocious lion with professionals who he felt were damaging patients or exploiting and distorting Individual Psychology.