The Neurotic Character

Fundamentals of a Comparative Individual Psychology and Psychotherapy

By: Alfred Adler

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh

As the 20th century drew to a close, the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was perhaps the least known of the prominent figures of his time - in particular Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung - and yet he continues to be a figure of influence in the 21st century. His school of ‘individual psychology’ involved a holistic approach to the study of the individual, with a key focus on the way each person viewed the world, especially regarding their concerns of inferiority. This applied to both men and women in their different ways. The Neurotic Character is, as the editor of this modern translation states, 'Adler’s magnum opus - complex, profound and brilliant in its crystallised capture of the human soul gone astray.'

Written in 1911, Adler continued to expand and develop his ideas over the following decades as he assimilated experience gained from his practice. It opens with the Theoretical Part, in which he introduces ‘The Origin and Development of the Inferiority Feeling and Its Effects', as well as ‘Psychic Compensation and Its Preparation’ and ‘The Accentuated Fiction as Guiding Idea in the Neurosis’.

The second, major part of his work follows - the Practical Part. In this, Adler examines a wide range of issues, from ‘Greed and Distrust’, to the sexual causes and effects of inferiority. In the succeeding sections, he considers how suppressing everyday feelings and habits experienced by men and women in the course of their lives - issues such as impatience and dissatisfaction, cruelty, self-reproach - can all have profound effects on the individual.

The writing is clear and supported by case studies providing a strong perspective of reality. It is not surprising that, as a result, it can be seen how strongly Adlerian ideas and views have influenced the practice of psychotherapy today. And that for all the apparent dominance of Freudian and Jungian doctrine in psychological and academic circles, the work of Alfred Adler should not be underestimated. This recording presents the new translation of The Neurotic Character, commissioned and edited by the Adlerian psychotherapist, Henry Stein, who provides a useful appendix - an introduction to classical Adlerian theory and practice.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2002 Henry Stein (P)2022 Ukemi Productions Ltd

It’s a wonderful treat that this book is even available in audible form

This book is Alfred Adler‘s Magnum Opus. It is the fourth edition of the book. With the original one written in the 1910s in the final edition coming out in the 1930s, not that long before Dr. Adler‘s death. Over the course of this time many of Adler’s ideas grew and shifted.

For Individual Psychology enthusiasts, it is a true gem. But for the average reader, it may be challenging as it was written in a particular time and culture. despite this many of Adler’s ideas are quite modern, including equality between men and women, and the importance of learning to function in a democratic society.

I would encourage the Adler curious to look at some of the other offerings on audible written by Dr. Adler before delving into this master work. Such as What Life Should Mean to You. A more modern book to start with if one wants to dip their toe into Adler’s ocean of ideas would be the book The Courage to be Disliked.

Dr. Adler was a man ahead of his time, many of the foundational ideas found in psychology today can be traced back to his work.

It should be noted that this book is a translation from the original German.

A great book

This book is wonderful and I found that is increasingly relatable to any individual coming of age in search of meaning. The author is world renown and this book is highly recommended.

Difficult to listen to.....

I could only get though about 8 hours of it and that was only thanks to the reader. His performance was great.

Because this book was written in the 1920's, the view of this doctor is so sexist it just made me more and more angry the longer I listened. The women in his book were neurotic simply because of the way could not accept their inferior place in life. I would have been a raving lunatic too if I lived in that time.

extremely difficult to understand

the language used in this book is so unnecessarily complex that it feels like broken English. it's definitely outdated. the performance of this speaker is bland. there were so many times I couldn't focus and would lose interest due to the combination of word choices and speaking