“Courage, as evidenced by the ability to contribute to human cooperation, appears to be the chief factor in the development of psychological health. The healthy individual is oriented toward usefulness and contribution to others.”
—
Alfred Adler
Superiority and Social Interest (1964), ed. H.L. Ansbacher; also Various lectures and writings
Commentary
Adler introduces 'social interest' (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) as a measure of psychological maturity. Not altruism (which can be neurotic), but a genuine sense of belonging to and contributing to the social community. Courage is not fearlessness but the willingness to act despite fear, directed toward the common good.
This prefigures communitarian ethics and challenges individualistic psychology. Adler argued that all neurosis involves a retreat from social interest (overemphasis on personal superiority, security, or control). Therapy aims at expanding social interest, not merely symptom relief.
Commentary
Adler introduces 'social interest' (Gemeinschaftsgefühl) as a measure of psychological maturity. Not altruism (which can be neurotic), but a genuine sense of belonging to and contributing to the social community. Courage is not fearlessness but the willingness to act despite fear, directed toward the common good.
This prefigures communitarian ethics and challenges individualistic psychology. Adler argued that all neurosis involves a retreat from social interest (overemphasis on personal superiority, security, or control). Therapy aims at expanding social interest, not merely symptom relief.