[A different interpretation of the Oedipus complex].

Is mans fate irrevocable predetermined or have we a certain amout of free will? We assume, that although restricted by his own developed character, and given circumstances, man has a choice and is capable to influence his destiny. According to Freud our actions and behaviour are often unconsciously motivated and frequently incomprehensible for ourselves. They are then independent of our "will" and capacity of decision--making. Freud observes rightly the ambivalence of seelings between father and son, mother and daughter and regards this as the essential factor for the character-formation of the developing child. However his interpretation that these feelings are always based on libidinous wishes and jealousy seems to the author too farfetched and not fully proved in all cases. In the author's opinion the basic problem of life must be an insolvable one and that is the problem of death. Seen from the father's point of view, the son, on one hand represents the only solution for continuation of his life, the only possibility of victory over death, on the other hand however, he will substitute him one day, make him superfluous and eventually take his place. A similar process takes place between mother and daughter who on one hand would like to enjoy the beauty and success of her daughter (whom she regards as her biological continuation)--by whom however she feels as well pushed aside and made older on the other hand. The Problem, how to vanquish death and the wish for continuation of our existance, the resistance against extinction and replacement by someone else, is of fundamental and inescapable importance. If we understand this, we will find a more profound explicaiton of ambivalent feelings between parents and children. The aim of human development should be, to find the right way, how to satisfy our justified urges in accepting the limits of our capacities and possibilities within the framework of reality.--In doing so, our creative capabilities and our desires for change and progress should not be inhibited. The acceptance of our Self, of the reality of life and of our limitations includes however also the acceptance of death. This inside therefore will have its positive effect also on the development of the ambivalent feelings between parents and children, which we could handle better, if we know and understand their meaning.