Sigmund Freud

1856–1939, Austria

Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis. Developed theories of the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and dream interpretation.

Books

  • The Interpretation of Dreams (1900)

    Foundational psychoanalytic work where Freud presents his theory of dreams as fulfillment of unconscious wishes and introduces the concept of dream-work.

  • Beyond the Pleasure Principle (1920)

    Freud introduces the concept of the death drive (Thanatos) alongside the life drive (Eros), reformulating his drive theory.

  • The Ego and the Id (1923)

    Freud presents the structural model of the mind with three agencies: the id, the ego, and the superego.

  • Totem and Taboo (1913)

    Freud applies psychoanalysis to anthropology, exploring the origins of religion, morality, and society through the primordial Oedipus complex.

  • Civilization and Its Discontents (1930)

    Freud examines the irresolvable conflict between individual drives and the demands of civilization, arguing that culture requires repression.