Sigmund Freud, often seen as the father of psychoanalysis, ventured deep into the unconscious mind, unravelling the hidden forces driving human behaviour. His work in the early 20th century changed the way we think about ourselves, but it wasn’t without controversy. In A Dangerous Mind, we see how even groundbreaking ideas can clash with societal norms and other intellectual giants, just as Freud’s did with Carl Jung.
What is striking to us, is how Freud’s theories, particularly the id, ego, and superego, still hold relevance in our daily lives.
Take the workplace, for example—how often do we grapple with internal conflicts between personal desires (id), ethical standards (superego), and practical realities (ego)? This balance influences everything from decision-making to leadership styles.
In a time when mental health and self-awareness are finally taking centre stage, Freud’s exploration of the unconscious can guide us toward better understanding our motivations, fostering empathy in leadership, and creating healthier work cultures. His ideas remind us that while the world evolves, the core of human behaviour remains timeless.
*Psychology at Work: Theory to Practice is a new series highlighting theories and concepts of psychologists and thinkers that continue to shape and influence our understanding of human behaviour.
