The Transforming Life of Sigmund Freud

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Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a psychologist and analyze how their theories impact society in general. Sigmund Freud, one of the most recognized names in psychology to date, had developed some eccentric theories that many scientists still accept as having some factual basis. His theories on hypnotherapy, psychosexual development, and defense mechanisms gives people the ability to control and predict their future behavior. These theories, being recognized as some of the most remarkable and influential, have transformed a generation of free thinkers and scientists. His ideas have paved the way to what is now universally known as the field of psychology. Sigmund Freud, known as one of the most influential psychologists the world has seen, was born in 1856 in the city of Freiberg in the Austro-Hungarian Empire of Moravian. Freiberg was a city of trees and nature, and Freud always felt attached to his surroundings. His father bore two children in his first marriage, twenty years prior to Sigmund’s birth. His first wife later died, and he re-married. Sigmund was born from his father’s second wife, Amelia, and she later bore seven more children (Chiriac). When Sigmund was four years old his family moved to Vienna as a result of a business failure. They settled into a small apartment in the busy and noisy city. Freud later recalls how Vienna differs from the place he was born, “I've never felt within my depth in this city. I believe nowadays that I've always regretted the marvelous forests of my childhood, and one of my remembrances evokes me the fact that I used to run as if I wanted to get off from my father, when I was scarcely able to walk..." (Chiriac). Although his family did not have a lot of mo... ... middle of paper ... ...olely based on medical observation or genetic inheritance. Through theories like psychosexual development stages, Freudian slips, the id, ego, superego, and even defense mechanisms, we are able to see ourselves as beings that can predict behavior and control it. This, of all things, is the most important and essential to human life. Works Cited Chiriac, Jean. "Sigmund Freud's Childhood." Freud File. AROPA, Web. 20 Nov 2009. . "Defense Mechanisms." SAU Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Web. 22 Nov 2009. ml>. Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams. New York: Macmillan, 1900. Print. "Sigmund Freud." NNDB Tracking the World. Soylent Communications, Web. 15 Nov 2009. .

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