Alfred Adler


'''Alfred Adler''' (7 February 1870 – 28 May 1937) was a famous [[Bluepill|bluepilled]] [[German incelosphere|Austrian]] anti-deterministic psychotherapist and [[Cope|coper]]. 

== "Individual psychology" ==
He rejected [[determinism]] and his views therefore differentiated from [[Sigmund Freud|Freud’s]].

Adler assumed that it's not the experience itself that is the cause of human success or failure, but the meaning that people give to this experience. Conversely, every person has the opportunity to make the most of their life.

Adler therefore calls on people to take control of their own lives and actively shape them. However, each person can only work on themselves and change themselves, not others. This view is shown, for example, in the following quote from Adler:<blockquote>''"He [the human itself] is free to be happy and to please others."'' (German: ''"Er [der Mensch] ist frei, glücklich zu sein und andere zu erfreuen."'')</blockquote>This also includes Adler's thesis that people choose their own misfortune. Adler assumes that people act with a view to the future, i.e. behave in a certain way in order to achieve goals. Self-chosen misfortune could, for example, serve the purpose of attracting attention or pity from others.

== "Self-determination" ==
According to him, the solution to feelings of inferiority and complexes lies in freeing oneself from the desire for recognition and validation. This desire is egocentric and leads to a strong dependence on others.

For him, self-acceptance (i.e. loving and accepting oneself as one is) does not require external validation and enables one to build trust in others. At the same time, a person who is independent of the recognition and validation of others has the freedom to do what he or she believes is good and right. Anyone who accepts oneself therefore lives a "self-determined life".

Another important part of self-determination is not interfering in other people's tasks, as this creates conflict. (e.g parents should not check whether their children are studying or doing their homework, as this is the children's job. However, parents should always offer support when the child needs it)

== See also ==

* [[Cope]]
* [[Cope society]]
* [[Empathy gap]]