Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was an Austrian medical doctor and psychotherapist who founded the Adlerian school of individual psychology. Originally a core member of the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society and collaborator with Sigmund Freud, Adler became the first major figure to break away from psychoanalysis to establish an independent school of psychotherapy and personality theory.
The Content
In this late work, Adler explores metaphysical territory and presents his vision of society centered on the concept of "social feeling." He argues that social feeling represents "a struggle for a communal form that must be thought of as eternally applicable... when humanity has attained its goal of perfection... an ideal society amongst all mankind, the ultimate fulfillment of evolution."
Adler's concept of social feeling extends beyond human relationships. It encompasses a community feeling where individuals recognize their belonging with others while developing an ecological connection with nature—including plants, animals, the earth itself, and the cosmos as a whole. This holistic perspective distinguishes Adler's individual psychology from other psychoanalytic approaches of his era.
Historical Significance
Published originally in 1938, this work represents Adler's mature thinking on social psychology and his departure from Freudian psychoanalysis. The text demonstrates how individual psychology evolved into a comprehensive theory addressing not just personal development but humanity's collective evolution and social responsibility.
Edition Details
This paperback edition from Martino Fine Books provides students, mental health professionals, and psychology enthusiasts access to an important historical text in its original form. The full facsimile format ensures authenticity, making it valuable for academic study and historical reference in understanding the development of psychoanalytic theory and individual psychology.
