Michel Onfray's Freud biography denounced as farce
In an editorial for artpress, Jacques Henric takes aim at Michel Onfray's 2010 publication, 'Le crépuscule d'une idole', which serves as a biography of Sigmund Freud. Henric charges Onfray with depicting Freud as a deceiver, a charlatan, and possessing numerous negative characteristics, including drug addiction and ties to fascism. He ridicules Onfray's assertion of thorough understanding of Freud's work, labeling the book a humorless farce. Henric points out that journalists unfamiliar with Freud may influence the book's reception and criticizes supporters of Freud for enhancing its sales. He observes that Onfray's anti-Christian remarks go unaddressed by the Pope amid Church controversies and questions the ethical implications of Onfray's views on Freud's supposed infidelities, concluding that Onfray's self-perception may not align with reality.
Key facts
- Michel Onfray published 'Le crépuscule d'une idole' in 2010 with Grasset.
- Jacques Henric wrote an editorial in artpress denouncing the book.
- Henric accuses Onfray of portraying Freud as a caricature akin to Ubu Roi.
- Onfray claims to have read all of Freud's work and secondary literature.
- Onfray has published seventy books; Freud wrote six thousand pages.
- Henric suggests journalists who never read Freud welcome the book.
- Freud's defenders are criticized for boosting sales by engaging with the pamphlet.
- The philosophical community does not consider Onfray a peer.
- Onfray's anti-Christian provocations are ignored by the Pope.
- Henric notes the omission of pedophilia in Onfray's accusations against Freud.
Entities
Artists
- Michel Onfray
- Sigmund Freud
- Jacques Henric
- Alfred Jarry
- Franz-Olivier Giesbert
- Marquis de Sade
- André Breton
- Georges Bataille
Institutions
- artpress
- Grasset
Locations
- Argentan
- France
Sources
- artpress —