Just began dipping into Freud’s ‘Psychology of Love’ with an introduction by Jeri Johnson, a Fellow at Oxford.
“Everyone knows that Freud changed everything. Freud changed everything by making everything about sex”
That first sentence sent streaks of indignation, rushing through me. This was quickly followed by a steady rush of anger. What an irresponsible sentence.
‘Everyone’? Really? And he changed ‘everything’? He played an important role in developing a new approach to psychology and therapy, yes, but he did not single-handed, and in isolation create an entirely new way of thinking.
And EVERYTHING IS NOT ABOUT SEX. A common misconception, but what Freud interpreted as ‘sexual’ was not limited to sex. It included sensual sensations, comfort, other physical and emotional needs which drive humans. I, being a cuddle fiend, am an enthusiastic proponent of the satisfaction to be gained from human touch.
Writers, especially high profile ones really should be more careful in their wording. Accuracy needs to be given precedence over impact, I feel.
