Freud was 'misunderstood' and wasn't so obsessed with sex, new analysis suggests

A new analysis of Sigmund Freud's work suggests that he has been misunderstood regarding his views on sexuality. Mark Solms, a prominent psychoanalyst, has released a revised English edition of Freud's "The Interpretation of Dreams," aiming to clarify misconceptions stemming from earlier translations. Solms argues that Freud's concept of "sexuality" was broader than commonly perceived, encompassing any pleasure-seeking activity rather than solely erotic behavior. This misinterpretation has led to a skewed understanding of Freud's theories, which were often misapplied by surrealist artists who associated his ideas with radical social change. In reality, Freud was a conservative thinker who sought to restore order rather than promote anarchy. Solms' updated edition corrects translation errors and includes previously omitted writings, providing a more accurate representation of Freud's ideas. The release coincides with a conference at University College London and aims to reintegrate Freud into contemporary discussions about dreams. Despite challenges to Freud's theories, particularly regarding the function of dreams, recent research indicates that dreaming occurs in various states, complicating earlier critiques. Solms hopes this new edition will encourage a reevaluation of Freud's contributions to psychology and the understanding of dreams.