Psychoanalysis and Education for The Facilitation of Positive Human Qualities

Abstract

This paper discusses psychoanalytic contributions concerning the development and the facilitation of qualities such as empathy, love for neighbor, social‐mindedness, identification, sympathy, and altruism. An early notion of Freud's concerning the original tie between mother and child is seen as the precursor of modern object‐relations theory, of the development of language and empathy, the capacity to love, and the capacity to develop altruistic feelings, attitudes, and behavior. The paper also deals with neurotic manifestations of altruism and of other positive qualities. The notion is expressed that perhaps the most valuable contribution that psychoanalysts can make lies in the field of education, the application of psychoanalytic concepts and understanding to the upbringing of the child, to the education and training of the youth.Kindness, thou dear great name that containest nothing in thee demanding loveless esteem, but prayest to be followed; thou dost not menace and needst not establish any law, but of thyself findest entrance into feeling, and willingly art revered; whose smile disarms all sister inclinations; thou art so glorious that we need not ask after thy descent, for whatever be thy origin it is ennobled through thee [Moritz Schlick, 1930, pp. 208–209]!