Sigmund Freud: Introverted Spirited Power Physis Type

Abstract

There can be little doubt that the founder of psychoanalysis, a discipline that relies on paying close attention to the interior world of dreams, fantasies and desires, was an introvert. The term, of course, is Jung’s, and considering the enmity toward Jung from Freud’s major biographers, none of them characterize him in that manner. Also, until recently, the term “introvert” carried a pejorative connotation and was associated with self-indulgent narcissism and deficient social adaptation. Freud’s biographers clearly did not want to emphasize this aspect of his personality. One needs to search carefully for references to his introverted temperament and deduce his introversion from descriptions of his personality and way of life. Ernest Jones, Freud’s authorized biographer, for example, mentions only in passing that in Freud’s university days, “Apart from peace and quiet for reading and the company of like-minded friends, he wanted little else than books”; his chief pleasure was going on solitary walks.¹ Later, as a successful and respected psychoanalyst, Freud did not participate in the lively Viennese café scene, nor did he frequent theaters or the opera. Joan Riviere, who was analyzed by Freud and translated his early essays into English, observes “he appeared somewhat aloof,” and “could easily be bored by crowds and gatherings.”² Close friends, family and select colleagues formed his social circle, which is the norm for introverts.