A layman will no doubt find it hard to understand how pathological disorders of the body and mind can be eliminated by 'mere' words. He will feel that he is being asked to believe in magic. And he will not be so very wrong, for the words which we use in our everyday speech are nothing other than watered-down magic. But we shall have to follow a roundabout path in order to explain how science sets about restoring to words a part at least of their former magical power.

Analysis does not set out to make pathological reactions impossible, but to give the patient's ego freedom to decide one way or another.

When a love-relationship is at its height there is no room left for any interest in the environment; a pair of lovers are sufficient to themselves

My boy! Smoking is one of the greatest and cheapest enjoyments in life, and if you decide in advance not to smoke, i can only feel sorry for you.

The whole life of instinct serves the one end of bringing about death.

The unconscious of one human being can react upon that of another without passing through the conscious.

If you want to endure life, prepare yourself for death.