About this book
Lou Andreas-Salomé's groundbreaking essay "Narzißmus als Doppelrichtung" explores one of psychoanalysis's most misunderstood concepts through a fresh philosophical lens. Originally published in 1921 in the journal Imago, this seminal work examines Freud's theory of narcissism—not as a primitive developmental stage, but as a fundamental, dual-directional force that accompanies the psyche throughout all stages of libidinal development.
Andreas-Salomé challenges conventional interpretations by arguing that narcissism represents the libidinous supplement to egoism itself, a foundational aspect of self-love that persists across our entire psychological life. She traces how Freud's revolutionary concept transcends simple autoerotic definitions, revealing instead a complex interplay between self-directed and object-directed desires. Her analysis demonstrates how the psyche continuously withdraws and extends its energy, much like an organism extending pseudopodia, maintaining an essential balance between internal and external investment.
This profound theoretical work remains essential for psychoanalysts, philosophy students, and anyone seeking to understand the psychological foundations of human behavior and desire. Andreas-Salomé's nuanced perspective offers valuable insights into the paradoxes of narcissism that continue to resonate in contemporary psychological discourse, making this historical text surprisingly relevant to modern therapeutic practice.
