Thou Shalt Not Be Aware

Book excerpt: A strong criticism of Sigmund Freud’s research regarding sexually abused children, from the bestselling author of The Drama of the Gifted Child. Originally published in 1984, Thou Shalt Not Be Aware explodes Freud’s notions of “infantile sexuality” and helps to bring to the world’s attention the brutal reality of child abuse, changing forever our thoughts of “traditional” methods of child-rearing. Dr. Alice Miller exposes the harsh truths behind children’s “fantasies” by examining case histories, works of literature, dreams, and the lives of such people as Franz Kafka, Virginia Woolf, Gustave Flaubert, and Samuel Beckett. Now with a new preface by Lloyd de Mause and a new introduction by the author, Thou Shalt Not Be Aware continues to bring an essential understanding to the confrontation and treatment of the devastating effects of child abuse. Praise for Thou Shalt Not Be Aware “Epoch-making . . . Alice Miller’s courage, warmth, experienced intuition and candor yield fascinating insights.” —The Boston Globe “A provocative critique of traditional therapy’s view of childhood . . . This is explosive stuff. I can’t imagine anyone coming away from this book without several newfound discoveries about herself and her relation to her parents.” —Glamour “Thou Shalt Not Be Aware is that rarest of gems, a highly creative and exciting work which throws a multifaceted light upon the development of human nature in the Western World.” —Ashley Montagu “Alice Miller is not out to “hang the bastards,” but rather to help create a world of self-conscious and self-loving individuals who don’t need, want or know how to abuse others.” —San Francisco Chronicle “It is timely. It is powerful. It is painful . . . absorbing, enlightening and provoking.” —Charlotte Observer