Who said “We have long observed that every neurosis has the result, and therefore probably the…”?

Verified

Sigmund Freud. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceGeneral Psychological Theory: Papers on Metapsychology Touchstone, (1963); Ch.1, "Formulation Regarding the Two Principles in Mental Functioning", (1911)

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“We have long observed that every neurosis has the result, and therefore probably the purpose, of forcing the patient out of real life, of alienating him from actuality.”
— Sigmund Freud
VerifiedGeneral Psychological Theory: Papers on Metapsychology Touchstone, (1963); Ch.1, "Formulation Regarding the Two Principles in Mental Functioning", (1911) · evidenceNeurosis

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: General Psychological Theory: Papers on Metapsychology Touchstone, (1963); Ch.1, "Formulation Regarding the Two Principles in Mental Functioning", (1911).

APA

Freud, S. (n.d.). We have long observed that every neurosis has the result, and therefore probably the purpose, of forcing the patient out of real life, of alienating him from actuality. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31198-we-have-long-observed-that-every-neurosis-has/

MLA

Freud, Sigmund. “We have long observed that every neurosis has the result, and therefore probably the purpose, of forcing the patient out of real life, of alienating him from actuality.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31198-we-have-long-observed-that-every-neurosis-has/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Freud, Sigmund. “We have long observed that every neurosis has the result, and therefore probably the purpose, of forcing the patient out of real life, of alienating him from actuality.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31198-we-have-long-observed-that-every-neurosis-has/.

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