A certain degree of neurosis is of inestimable value as a drive, especially to a psychologist.

We are so made that we can derive intense enjoyment only from a contrast.

Religious ideas have sprung from the same need as all the other achievements of culture: from the necessity for defending itself against the crushing supremacy of nature.

The functional importance of the ego is manifested in the fact that normally control over the approaches to motility devolves upon it. Thus in its relation to the id it is like a man on horse back, who has to hold in check the superior strength of the horse; with this difference, that the rider tries to do so with his own strength while the ego uses borrowed forces.

The aim of psychoanalysis is to relieve people of their neurotic unhappiness so that they can be normally unhappy.

The idea of life having a purpose stands and falls with the religious system.

My way of working was different years ago. I used to wait until an idea came to me. Now I go half-way to meet it, though I don't know whether I find it any the quicker.