Originally published in 1928 this book was an attempt to acquaint the general public with the fundamentals of Individual Psychology. At the same time it is a demonstration of the practical application of these principles to the conduct of everyday relationships, and the organization of our personal life. Based upon a years’ lectures to audiences at the People’s Institute in Vienna, the purpose of the book was to point out how the mistaken behaviour of the individual affects harmony of our social and communal life; to teach the individual to recognize their own mistakes; and finally, to show them how they may effect a harmonious adjustment to the communal life. Adler felt that mistakes in business or in science were costly and deplorable, but mistakes in the conduct of life are usually dangerous to life itself. This book is dedicated by the author in his preface ‘to the task of illuminating man’s progress toward a better understanding of human nature.’
Preface Translator’s preface Introduction Book I: Human Behavior 1 The soul 2 Social aspects of the psychic life 3 Child and society 4 The world we live in 5 The feeling of inferiority and the striving for recognition 6 The preparation for life 7 Sex 8 The family constellation Book II: The Science of Character 1 General considerations 2 Aggressive character traits 3 Non-aggressive character traits 4 Other expressions of character 5 Affects and emotions Appendix
Biography
Alfred Adler