In "New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis", Freud examines his opinions on mysticism and psychoanalysis. The concept of mysticism has transformed through the entire ages. In ancient occasions, a mystic was person who communed with God. In Freud's world, the term mysticism became an all-inclusive term explaining paranormal sensation occurring outside the laws of nature and science.
Research helped to ignore or dismiss mystical teachings mystical a few ideas since they certainly were seen as superstitious, irrational and nonsensical. Freud related the term mysticism with séances, comments from different worlds, tones, apparitions, levitation, trances and prophecies (Coward, 1977, p. 1). Freud also had a reputation of being hostile to mysticism and was against integrating mystical some ideas in to psychoanalysis. His friendship with Carl Jung concluded due to Jung's values in religious and mystical concepts (Wagner, 2008).
At the beginning of the lecture, Freud provides an unflattering see of mysticism and speaks condescendingly toward the topic by refusing to provide any certain definition for the the word itself. He claims, "You mustn't expect me to make any attempt at embracing this ill-circumscribed area with definitions" ;.Freud claims "we all learn about that different world" of mysticism which exists beyond the proven laws of science. Therefore, he discusses mysticism like the market is skeptical toward the subject.
From the mental perception, Freud is arguing that mankind tends to think in miracles and the paranormal. He claims people become bored with truth, and 'reason' is not interesting enough in order for them to discover satisfaction in. He states that folks accept the stimulating character of mysticism because it provides excitement for their ordinary lives. Freud acknowledges mankind's desire for the hidden and the remarkable, but states that 'purpose and science' are mankind's best strengths.
Traditionally, Freud says mysticism offers nothing new for mankind. He argues that mysticism assists religions defend against the improvement of research, and claims religious reports of prophecies, apparitions and wonders are imaginative fables full of nonsense, scam and ignorance. But, Freud admits there is no solution to prove or disprove these assertions, and whatever happened in historical times can't be tested or validated today. He states that those who follow mystical teachings are charlatans, quacks, mind-readers and liars.