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The Psychoanalytic Tradition Sigmund Freud
was the first psychoanalyst. Many of his insights into the human mind,
which seemed so revolutionary at the turn of the century, are now widely
accepted by most schools of psychological thought. Although others before
and during his time had begun to recognize the role of unconscious mental
activity, Freud was the preeminent pioneer in understanding its importance.
Through his extensive work with patients and through his theory building,
he showed that factors which influence thought and action exist outside
of awareness, that unconscious conflict plays a part in determining both
normal and abnormal behavior, and that the past shapes the present. Although
his ideas met with antagonism and resistance, Freud believed deeply in
the value of his discoveries and rarely simplified or exaggerated them
for the sake of popular acceptance. He saw that those who sought to change
themselves or others must face realistic difficulties. But he also showed
us that, while the dark and blind forces in human nature sometimes seem
overwhelming, psychological understanding, by enlarging the realm of reason
and responsibility, can make a substantial difference to troubled individuals
and even to civilization as a whole.
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