Alfred Adler (1870-1937) was an Austrian doctor and psychotherapist, best known as the founder of Individual Psychology, a school of thought that emphasized the holistic understanding of individuals and their striving for significance and social connection. Originally a close collaborator of Sigmund Freud, Adler eventually broke away to establish his own theories, placing less emphasis on sexual drives and more on feelings of inferiority and the importance of societal relationships. His concept of the “inferiority complex” has become a cornerstone in psychological discussions of self-worth and motivation.

Throughout his career, Adler focused on the social nature of human beings, arguing that mental health is deeply connected to one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to society. His ideas have influenced modern psychology, particularly in the fields of counseling and psychotherapy, with thinkers such as Viktor Frankl and Abraham Maslow drawing on his work.