SOURCE: “Otto Rank and the Closure of Psychoanalysis on Kierkegaard,” in The Denial of Death, Free Press, 1973, pp. 159-75.

In the following essay, Becker examines the evolution of Rank's ideas about the place of sexuality in psychoanalysis.

It seems to be difficult for the individual to realize that there exists a division between one's spiritual and purely human needs, and that the satisfaction or fulfillment for each has to be found in different spheres. As a rule, we find the two aspects hopelessly confused in modern relationships, where one person is made the god-like judge over good and bad in the other person. In the long run, such symbiotic relationship becomes demoralizing to both parties, for it is just as unbearable to be God as it is to remain an utter slave.

—Otto Rank

One of the things we see as we glance over history is that creature...