Sigmund Freud

Date of Birth: May 6, 1856

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 23, 1939

Biography

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Born in 1856 in Freiberg, Moravia (now Příbor, Czech Republic), Freud’s early education was completed in Vienna, where he spent much of his professional life. He initially trained as a doctor, specializing in neurology, but his interest in human behavior and the workings of the mind led him to develop groundbreaking theories on the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and the significance of dreams. Freud’s work laid the foundation for modern psychology and psychotherapy, influencing countless practitioners and scholars. He published numerous books and papers, including “The Interpretation of Dreams” and “Civilization and Its Discontents.” Despite facing considerable opposition and controversy, Freud’s contributions to psychology remain enduring and influential.

5 Interesting Facts about Sigmund Freud

1. Sigmund Freud originally wanted to be a lawyer, but he was inspired to pursue medicine after reading Charles Darwin’s “The Origin of Species.”

2. Freud’s theory of the Oedipus complex, named after the Greek mythological character Oedipus, is one of his most controversial and widely discussed concepts.

3. Freud fled Austria in 1938 to escape the Nazis and spent his final years in London.

4. Freud was a prolific writer and published more than 320 books, articles, and essays in his lifetime.

5. He was an avid collector of antique sculptures, which he believed were a source of inspiration and insight into the human psyche.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sigmund Freud

1. “The mind is like an iceberg, it floats with one-seventh of its bulk above water.”

2. “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”

3. “In the small matters trust the mind, in the large ones the heart.”

4. “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”

5. “One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Freud’s net worth at the time of his death was modest, estimated to be around $1 million in today’s currency, reflecting his earnings from his practice, publications, and speaking engagements.

Children

Sigmund Freud and his wife, Martha Bernays, had six children: 1. Mathilde Freud (1887–1978) 2. Jean-Martin Freud (1889–1967) 3. Oliver Freud (1891–1969) 4. Ernst L. Freud (1892–1970) 5. Sophie Freud (1893–1920) 6. Anna Freud (1895–1982), who became a notable psychoanalyst in her own right and contributed significantly to the field of child psychoanalysis.