Wilhelm Stekel

Wilhelm Stekel was a prominent Austrian physician and psychologist, born in 1868. He is notable for being one of the earliest followers of Sigmund Freud and was once regarded as "Freud's most distinguished pupil". Stekel played a significant role in the development of psycho-analysis, and according to some accounts, he was a co-founder of the first psycho-analytic society, although it is also suggested that the initiative was entirely his own. His natural talent for psychology and ability to detect repressed material were widely recognized, with Ernest Jones describing him as "a naturally gifted psychologist".

Despite his early association with Freud, Stekel later had a falling-out with his mentor, with Freud announcing in 1912 that Stekel was pursuing his own path. The rift between them was attributed to interpersonal rather than theoretical differences, with Freud later expressing his low opinion of Stekel's personal qualities. Nevertheless, Stekel's contributions to the field of psychology remain significant, and his works have been translated and published in numerous languages. He passed away in 1940, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in the development of psycho-analysis.