ALS in German, signed “Freud,” one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.25, personal letterhead, October 14, 1916. Letter to Austrian writer and lyric poet Arthur Fischer-Colbrie. In full (translated): “Your joyously tuned lute pleased me very much. The day before, your father fiddled a less joyful tune to me. We both came to the conclusion that you were still feeling homesick and that you would soon get used to it. And that’s how things have turned out. I have no doubt that you will successfully continue to ‘make the best of things’ and there is really something good in it. Once self-assurance is gained things will move forward at an accelerated pace. Do not be disdainful of Destiny’s having taken you in hand. It can do quite a lot. I hope to see you again matured and somewhat dulled in your sensibilities. Perhaps you’ll also discover incidentally how much better you are than a great many others and maybe you’ll have the courage to help yourself to a piece of the original sins of humanity. I wish all beautiful things to you and hope to continue to hear from you often.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds and slight show-through from writing on opposing sides. Freud psychoanalyzed the writer in 1915–16 and then again in 1919 after Fischer-Colbrie’s military service, which had interrupted the analysis. Freud continued to write him to maintain their therapeutic contact; as seen here, he offers advice to the young man as he adjusts to life away from home. The letter demonstrates Freud in action, encouraging Fischer-Colbrie to be confident and courageous—to embrace life as it is and help himself "to a piece of the original sins of humanity." A remarkable letter that conveys firsthand some of Freud's psychoanalytic techniques as he deals with a patient. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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