1899 Quote by Sigmund Freud
““Accordingly, identification, or the formation of composite figures, serves different purposes: first, to represent a feature both persons have in common; secondly, to represent a displaced common feature; but thirdly, to find expression for a common feature that is merely wished for . Since wishing it to be the case that two people have something in common is often the same as exchanging them, this relation too is expressed in the dream by identification. In the dream of Irma's injection, I wish to exchange this patient for another, that is, I wish that the other were my patient, as Irma is; the dream takes account of the wish in showing me a figure who is called Irma, but who is examined in a posture in which I have only had occasion to see the other.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Interpretation of Dreams, 1900
Freud explains that identifying with others in dreams reflects a desire to share or exchange traits, revealing unconscious wishes for similarity.
In simple terms: Dreams show wishes to share traits.
Key Takeaway
Explore shared identities.
Themes
psychology
dreams
identity
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
psychological
interpretive
When to use this quote
- therapy
- self‑reflection
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
projection
wish fulfillment
commonality
Questions to Reflect On
- What traits do you wish to share?
- How do you identify with others?
A Different Perspective
Dreams may reveal conscious desires, not just hidden fears.
