Freud's wishful dream book

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While it is common to attribute the origins of psychoanalysis to Freud's self-analysis, Alexander Welsh suggests that it truly began with the publication of The Interpretation of Dreams at the end of the nineteenth century. By publicly asserting his theory that dreams reveal hidden wishes, Freud established a foundation for his influential career. In August 1899, he described his dream book in a letter to Wilhelm Fliess, likening it to a journey through a dark wood, where he guides readers through a "concealed pass" filled with peculiarities and humor, ultimately leading them to a choice of direction. As a physician, Freud positions himself as a guide rather than a hero, yet he subtly directs readers toward his intended path. Welsh invites readers to explore Freud's journey, examining the hidden turns in his work and questioning the guide's intentions. He highlights how Freud's choices are wishful, aimed at pleasing both the reader and himself, and contextualizes his fascination with secrets and modest ambitions within the era's cultural landscape. The book can be appreciated as a romance or a serial comedy, with humor that reflects a unique performance style. Welsh provides the first critical overview of Freud's arguments and the guiding persona he creates.