The Assault on Truth

Freud’s Suppression of the Seduction Theory

By: Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

Narrated by: Jason Culp

In 1896, Sigmund Freud presented his revolutionary “seduction theory,” arguing that childhood sexual abuse directly caused adult mental illness. Just nine years later, he completely reversed this stance, insisting these traumatic memories were mere fantasies. Why did Freud retract his original theory? And why has the psychoanalytic community gone to such lengths to conceal this critical reversal?

In the landmark book The Assault on Truth, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson draws on unique access to formerly sealed and hidden papers to uncover the truth behind this pivotal moment in psychoanalytic history. Masson dares to explore the reality that neither Freud nor his followers could bear to face.

This investigation reveals the enduring impact of Freud’s decision on the theory and practice of psychoanalysis. Bracing in its honesty and gripping in its revelations, The Assault on Truth is the book that prompted Masson’s dramatic break with the psychoanalytic establishment and launched his brilliant career as an independent thinker and writer.

©1984, 2025 Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson (P)2025 Blackstone Publishing

Eye opening..

I feel like I’ve been sleeping my whole life. This book opened my eyes and made me realize that I need to question more and trust less when accepting things I’m told first. Definitely worth listening.

Very insightful!

I liked this book a lot and thought it was very insightful. Many people need to learn about these topics that are continuously repressed.

Must Read

This book should help you understand where and how our “experts” were created. If you want the truth, this is a good start.

Blown away really

I know a couple people who would benefit from listening to this, purely for personal validation. Anyone who has gone through childhood sexual abuse (or are close to someone who has) this one’s for you. You’re going to shed some tears and you’re going to feel angry. Let yourself feel, it’s going to be, not just ok, but better on the other side of this book. It’s safe to say I loved it 🤍

Scared The jesus out of me

brutal honesty at every turn on every topic and angle , and shocking to death to come to awareness of some of the horrors committed