Civilization and Its Discontents
Civilization and Its Discontents
Sigmund Freud
Mark Manson
Basically arguing that we’re all fucked and there’s no hope for any of us. And doing it convincingly. - Mark Manson
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Civilization and Its Discontents

Civilization and Its Discontents

Sigmund Freud
By
Sigmund Freud
3.8
41103
ratings on Goodreads

In "Civilization and Its Discontents," Sigmund Freud embarks on a thought-provoking exploration of the eternal conflict between the individual and the societal structures that shape human existence. With the precision of a surgeon and the insight of a philosopher, Freud dissects the fabric of civilization, revealing the tensions that lie at its very core. This seminal work, one of his last, delves into the paradoxical nature of mankind's quest for freedom against the backdrop of societal conformity, a journey marked by relentless aggression and the unyielding forces of the death drive. Freud's analysis extends beyond the individual, proposing that the discontents of civilization are not merely personal grievances but symptomatic of the human condition itself. At the heart of Freud's discourse is the contention that the mechanisms of civilization, while designed to protect and nurture human coexistence, inadvertently foster a sense of dissatisfaction and guilt, stemming from the suppression of our most primal desires. Through a lens that combines psychoanalytic theory with acute cultural commentary, Freud examines the intricate balance between the demands of the individual's instinctual drives and the constraints imposed by cultural norms. This work is not only a testament to Freud's late theory of mind but also a profound commentary on the unresolvable dilemmas of human society. "Civilization and Its Discontents" stands as a pivotal text in understanding the complex interplay between the depths of the human psyche and the outer reaches of societal structure, challenging readers to reflect on the cost of progress and the price of our collective pursuit of happiness.

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Released
1930
1 Jan
Length
127
Pages

1

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Basically arguing that we’re all fucked and there’s no hope for any of us. And doing it convincingly. - Mark Manson
Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.
— Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontents

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