Der Sinn des Lebens (1933). Religion und Individualpsychologie (1933)

"The Meaning of Life" represents the outstanding work of Adler in his last creative period. Here he bears his views and results on central topics of individual psychology such as lifestyle, the tasks of life, and inferiority in a style characterized by great experience and foresight. and the complex of superiority, the neurosis, childhood memories, the feeling of community and the meaning of life. At the same time, he outlines his diagnostic and epistemological positions. Above all, Adler points out to us the great importance that he attaches to the sense of community for a fulfilled and responsible life and for the further development and survival of humanity. His answers to the questions of human coexistence, which take into account both ecological and aspects of transcendence, are more important to us today than ever. In the work "Religion and Individual Psychology" Alfred Adler holds an argument with the Protestant theologian Ernst Jahn on the question of ethical values. Jahn claims the sole representation of theology and therefore wants to see psychotherapy as a mere methodical aid. Adler points to the dwindling influence of the churches and derives their suitability from the scientific claim to validity of individual psychology to compensate for and represent the values of humanity. The controversy is still very topical today.