Notwithstanding the many well-reasoned theories of personality, we remain a
mystery to ourselves and others. Nevertheless, these theories, which represent
the work of physicians and psychologists, provide us with a language and
structure that elucidates personality. Sometimes one theory is more applicable
to a particular situation. So it is wise to familiarize oneself with as many
theories of personality as possible, including those of Freud, Meyer, Rank,
Sullivan, Horney, Adler, Reik, Deutsch, Jung, Erikson, Frankl, Hartmann, Kris,
and Lowenstein. In order to understand a patient’s disease, we must
understand the patient.

Competing interests:
None declared