Four ALSs, in German, all signed “Dein Karl,” each a single page in length, dated between 1980–81, all to clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Christiane Meyer–Bornsen. In fine condition, with punch holes to left edges of pages.
One letter, dated January 17, 1981, contains sharp-witted criticism of, among other things, a book by Murray Cox, in part (translated): “he cheats himself and his readers…expressions like ‘endopsychic patterning’ are absolutely not allowed. Almost as bad is ‘center of gravity’ and ‘core of seriousness.’ I don’t think that Cox knows that he is swindling. I think however that he is harming his patients with his hypocrisy. It is entirely impossible that he would not confuse his patients, twist and drive them crazy with his own ‘chaos’…It is so sad that first Ernst and now you…have to experience how the bureaucrats hate the human helpers….Although [they] have a lot of power and do a lot of damage (and therefore unfortunately make socialism impossible), fortunately they are not able to ruin the relationships between people—at least with us.”
A second letter, dated June 11, 1981, reads in part (translated): “I am glad that we were allowed to give each other a lot. However, I am old (I could easily be your grandfather) and under a lot of pressure of time: I have many very important and pressing duties. Please understand that after this beginning, I cannot dedicate myself to you as much as I would like and as much as I should (just from one human being to another). I should have thought about that much earlier, but I thought that you needed me; and if you need me, then I hope that I will be there for you as long as I live.”
A decade after retiring from his professorship at the University of London, Karl Popper remained unstoppable in his writing, broadcasting, and lecturing work. Despite the fact that his ideas garnered great attention and respect—and still do today—he had somewhat isolated himself with his antagonistic and self-aggrandizing personality. Highlighting his critical side while also revealing a less frequently shown affectionate side, these letters—written while working on his book The Open Universe: An Argument for Indeterminism—offer a well-rounded glimpse at the renowned philosopher’s personal correspondence. The first Popper item we have offered in over thirty years of business. RR Auction COA.
