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Acts of Will (the Life & Work of Otto Rank)

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Acts of Will is not only a brilliantly written biography, it is a journey of hope for both therapist and patient. As the new century draws near, it is profoundly telling that now more than ever, the psychology of Otto Rank is so relevant to the world today. Obviously, Rank was far ahead of his time. His teachings of "psychological rebirth" and "concept of will" should be mandatory reading for all mental Health professionals and their patients. Rank's honesty in dealing with his own depression and suicidal thoughts will give the reader much hope that even the most brilliant person can face death, choose life, and make living an Act of Will.

Dr. E. James Lieberman's Acts of Will: The Life and Work of Otto Rank is one of the finest histories of the development of psychoanalysis ever written. His meticulous research provides the reader with an opportunity to look into the personal and intellectual life of Otto Rank,the most overlooked and underrated disciple of Sigmund Freud. What I found to be most informative was Dr. Lieberman's description of the interpersonal dynamics among the Committee, Freud's closest colleagues. Dr. Lieberman's masterful work brings the reader into the every day world of the pioneers in the field of psychoanalysis. His descriptions of the personal agendas, politics,personalities, and disagreements among the "Ring" of psychoanalytic pioneers helps those interested in the field of psychotherapy clearly understand the intellectual and political foundations of modern psychology. Acts of Will is superb in its description of the intellectual, economic, and political milieu of Vienna during the first two decades of this century and the influences of these forces on Freud and Rank. The author's treatment of the issue of Rank's own "birth trauma" before and after Rank's departure (exile) from Freud's inner circle allows the reader to come to his or her own conclusions with respect to the genesis of the controversy concerning Rank's "mental health". Acts of Will should be read by every student of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Social Work, as well as anyone interested in the fascinating history of modern psychology.

Lieberman masterfully illuminates the life and work of Otto Rank, Freud's most brilliant student and co-worker. This book expalins why Ernest Becker and Rollo May consider Rank to be the most dazzling thinker in the early circle around Freud

"What's the best way to go about understanding Otto Rank?" someone asked a few months ago.

It's a good question because Otto Rank might just be our most neglected genius. And, in my opinion, it is costing us a good measure of personal and cultural well-being for not keeping up with this wizard of human nature who examines the health of our creative urges sustained by our wills to bring them to life.

The best introduction to Otto Rank is this remarkable biography "Acts of Will," by E. James Lieberman, MD, maybe the best biography I've read for its immediate and lasting impact on a wide range of things that make my own life worth while.

Published twenty-five years ago, Lieberman's biography seems brand new. He gives us an Otto Rank who is comprehensible, thought provoking and somehow charming on a personal level, as if Rank were the reader's own egalitarian, non-directive therapist.

Well researched, organized and written, it is also, importantly I believe, an emotionally rich, non-judgmental Rankian treatment of the life of Otto Rank, and reflects what must be Lieberman's own remarkable clinical skills as an Clinical Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychiatry at The George Washington University School of Medicine.

A must read not only for those in the field, but for countless others who experience the necessarily lonely ambiguities, the urging and submerging, the shifting vitality and guilt of their own creativity.