Sigmund Freuds Influence upon Salvador Dali Essay

The beginning of the twentieth century was a fascinating time for modern man. Artists, musicians, novelists, inventors, and scientists were reveling on new ways of experiencing life. The shadows of the past and the dawn of the new era opened the minds of many who relished constant change. Science and medicine were evolving, and one man in particular sought to expand knowledge and understanding. Sigmund Freud, the most renowned, thought provoking psychologist to have ever lived, opened an exciting chapter in the study of the mind. Without a doubt, Freud had influenced, and inspired artists searching for something new. The world of psychology and art were interweaving and promising a bold new path. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) studied†¦show more content†¦(Masson, The Life of Sigmund Freud) Interpreting dreams was a fascinating new field of study, and attracted a great deal of various personalities. Sigmund Freud published another controversial book in 1920 titled, Beyond the Ple asure Principle. He explained the driving forces behind every action of human behavior. First, there is a basic need to obtain pleasure and support life. Second, the mind is afraid of pain and death. This new theory superseded the previous theory stating that one’s â€Å"libido† remained in conflict with one’s â€Å"ego†. Freud declared that the â€Å"id, one’s amoral primal instincts, governs a desire for pleasure, for instant gratification, and the fear of pain†¦the ego on the other hand, rational will, accepts that enduring pain or deferring pleasure may be a necessary means to a positive end, and functions as mediator between the id and the world†. (Freud) This idea is commonly referred to as the â€Å"reality theory†. In his writings, Freud identified another component of the mind, the â€Å"superego†. This is one’s conscience and is the opposing force to the id which creates disharmony, guilt, and shame. Freud ’s studies were something extraordinary in the first half of the twentieth century. For the remainder of the century, his theories have been criticized, dissected,Show MoreRelatedSalvador Dali and Science Essay1747 Words   |  7 Pagesdefinite notions to scientific observation of nature, as well as the interpretations of dreams. Encapsulating the former ideas of Albert Einstein, there is a close resemblance to theories that are at the very base of quantum mechanics. Upon further inspection, Salvador Dali’s artistic imagery and methodology, as well as Andrà © Breton’s, could be seen as expressions of lucid subconsciousness. 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Among the many tenants of surrealism, the work of Sigmund Freud during the early halfRead MoreSurrealism, By Walter Friedlander s Duality Of Rational Irrational, And Irrational Style1801 Words   |  8 Pagessurrealistic work of art, the world of dream and the world of imagination are joined to the everyday reality. Therefore, it combines both a very rational, and irrational style. Surrealist Theory was based on a simplistic understanding of the writings of Sigmund Freud recreated for the use of poets and visual artists, the mind and human psychology became a source of inspiration. Like the underdeveloped photograph, the contents of the mind are latent, speaking in a secretly language that is wholly private