The work from Carl Jung underpins Insights Discovery. As with so many things, one is influenced by others, as we too influence others.
 
This was the same for Jung. For a part of his research, he corresponded and met with Sigmund Freud, who was researching and developing his approach in psychotherapy. Their sharing of ideas continued until there was a disagreement about each other’s work focus – more of what has been described as an intellectual disagreement which many years later seemed to ease. Each then forging ahead in their own way. Often this is the way when ground is being broken in a new area of research and application.
 
I make no judgement regarding the right or wrong of both their behaviour or the concepts involved. That is extensively covered elsewhere. What does fascinate me is the life experiences of the people who have introduced changed, new thinking, new applications and therefore their legacy into our present-day world.
 
On a visit to Vienna, I ensured I made the time to visit the home of Sigmund Freud, where he and his family lived, and he and his daughter worked, before they fled to London in 1938, prior to World War II.
 
There was much of interest at what is now a museum. Looking at many of the archive materials it was fascinating to see how things have developed in the world of therapy and analysis. Also how much has remained.
 
The Wednesday Psychological Society, which then became the Vienna Psychoanalytic Society originally met in Freud’s apartment. So the house was clearly a centre for thinking and sharing ideas, work and much activity with the family. Many of the names of people who attended these meetings are still known today – their own ‘take’ on things influencing the world of behavioural science in differing ways.
 
The picture shared here was taken in the stairwell of the house, the writing showing the people who had lived in the various apartments over the years. It is a fascinating history of the building. Shockingly brought to full light when one cast an eye down the righthand side of the list - which stated the last known location of the people. As one looked at the ‘addresses’ it brought focus to a vile time in human history. The addresses included: Auschwitz, Dachau, Theresienstadt, Treblinka.
 
At the time I found this quite moving. I still do.
 
It has surfaced the question that sometimes arises in my work with clients as to what their legacy may be. Not especially the end-of-life legacy, more a case of what legacy they will leave in their field of work, their team, their organisation. And with their family, friends and community as changes happen over the varying phases of our life.
 
How about you – what will be your legacy in the varying places that your input touches now, in the near future, in the long term?
 
My best wishes,
 
Peter