“If a man has been his mother’s undisputed darling he retains throughout life the triumphant feeling, the confidence in success, which not seldom brings actual success along with it.”
- May 6, 1856 – September 23, 1939
- Austrian
- Neurologist, Founder of Psychoanalysis
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Quote
“If a man has been his mother’s undisputed darling he retains throughout life the triumphant feeling, the confidence in success, which not seldom brings actual success along with it.”
Explanation
Freud here highlights the lasting psychological impact of early maternal affection, particularly unquestioned adoration from a mother. He suggests that a child who experiences being an “undisputed darling”—the favored, cherished one—internalizes a powerful sense of self-worth and invincibility. This early emotional foundation gives rise to a deep-seated confidence in success, which often manifests as real achievement in adulthood because of the individual’s strong inner belief in their own worth.
Freud’s broader theory of development placed great importance on childhood relationships, especially with primary caregivers. His psychoanalytic model emphasized how unconscious memories and attachments, especially from the Oedipal period, shape adult personality and behavior. In this quote, Freud implies that early unconditional maternal validation can serve as a lifelong source of motivation and resilience, fueling ambition and the expectation of being favored by the world.
In modern psychology and real-life examples, this observation holds intuitive weight. People with secure early attachments and strong parental affirmation often demonstrate greater emotional stability, ambition, and perseverance. For instance, successful individuals frequently cite a supportive and admiring parent as a key influence. Freud’s statement remains relevant today in both therapeutic settings and broader discussions on the role of parenting in building self-confidence and success trajectories.
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