Absence of Fear

• Erickson Anxiety by dave pakenham(dodge county,WI), 8/22/97
  • Erickson in Trance by Jeffrey Zeig, 8/26/97
    • Why? by dave pakenham, 9/17/97
      
      

Hello David:

It is nice to be in contact with you again.

I do not know that Erickson was "intimidated" by the South American psychiatrist. Rather, Erickson knew that the man had talents that Erickson did not. Erickson also knew that his own unconscious mind was capable and could provide what was needed to adequately address the situation.

Also curious about Erickson'spresence, I once quipped to him that he "knew no social fear." I asked why. He replied, "Why should I?" I did not have a good response.

In fact, Erickson was one of the only people who I have ever met who demonstrated a complete absence of social fear. He seemed confident in every situation.

I am now editing a book on Erickson's correspondence. It should be out in a few months. My collaborator on the project is Brent Geary, Ph.D. We recently reviewed correspondence between Erickson, Mead, and Bateson, which included a verbal "sparring match" between Erickson and Bateson, both of whom were under 40 years of age at the time. Erickson was offering a conversational induction with Bateson while Margaret Mead and her associates took notes. Again, Erickson seemed quite confident. He was firmly rooted in his adequacy.

I hope all is well with you. I send you my best regards.

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