Primary sourceBook1918
Reflections on War and Death
Sigmund Freud · 1918
Freud's wartime essays on how people respond psychologically to war and death, in English translation.
Freud's own wartime reflections, showing his psychoanalytic response to the First World War.
About this source
What it is
This book collects essays by Sigmund Freud on war and death, translated into English by A. A. Brill and Alfred B. Kuttner and published in 1918, during the First World War.
Why it matters
Written as the war was ending, these essays show Freud applying psychoanalytic ideas to large-scale human behaviour, not just individuals. The translators hoped the book would help international understanding after the war, showing how Freud's ideas were seen as relevant to the wider world crisis of his time.
Look closer
- Why might Freud turn his attention from individual patients to a whole civilization at war?
- What does the translators' note about 'international understanding' tell you about the book's purpose?
- How might living through a world war have shaped Freud's view of human nature?
This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Sigmund Freud on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.
More Sigmund Freud sources
Meet the AI Sigmund Freud →
BookSecondary source
The Interpretation of Dreams
Sigmund Freud · 1900
BookPrimary source
Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality
Sigmund Freud · 1905
BookPrimary source
The Ego and the Id
Sigmund Freud · 1923
BookPrimary source
Civilization and Its Discontents
Sigmund Freud · 1930
Primary source
Sigmund Freud's Voice (BBC Broadcast Recording, 1938)
Sigmund Freud · 27 December 1938
Ready when you are
Start chatting with Sigmund Freud now.
20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.