Title: Civilization and Its Discontents
Author: Sigmund Freud
First published January 1, 1930
127 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780393301588 (ISBN10: 0393301583)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud is an indispensable read for those seeking a psychoanalytic perspective on culture. This book, published in 1929, is one of Freud’s last works and delves into the conflict between the individual’s yearning for freedom and society’s demand for conformity.
Freud’s theory of mind, with its emphasis on the death drive as the adversary of eros, is witness and tribute to his views on culture. He argues that civilization often hinders man’s instinctual drives, resulting in guilt and a sense of unease.
Only one English translation of Freud’s works was authorized by the man himself, and this edition, edited by James Strachey, is the definitive version, complete with valuable notes and bibliographical information. Experience Freud’s brilliant insights on man’s place in the world and the ceaseless conflict between society and the individual in Civilization and Its Discontents.
About the Author
Dr. Sigmund Freud, a neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, revolutionized the way we understand human personalities. His ideas were controversial, but undoubtedly influential throughout the 20th century.
Freud began studying medicine at the University of Vienna in 1873 before working at the Vienna General Hospital after graduation. He worked with Josef Breuer to treat hysteria by recalling painful experiences under hypnosis.
In 1885, Freud studied under neurologist Jean Charcot in Paris before returning to Vienna to set up his own practice specializing in nervous and brain disorders. That same year, he married Martha Bernays and had six children.
Freud developed the theory that humans have an unconscious mind in which sexual and aggressive impulses are constantly in conflict with defenses against them. In 1897, he began analyzing himself intensively.
In 1900, he published his major work, “The Interpretation of Dreams,” where he analyzed dreams in terms of unconscious desires and experiences.
In 1902, Freud was appointed Professor of Neuropathology at the University of Vienna, a position he held until 1938. Despite the medical establishment’s disagreement with his theories, Freud attracted a group of followers who later formed the International Psychoanalytic Association in 1910 with one of his close associates as president.
However, Jung, one of his followers, later developed his own theories after breaking ties with Freud.
After World War One, Freud shifted his focus from clinical observation to applying his theories to history, art, literature, and anthropology. In 1923, he published “The Ego and the Id,” which proposed a new structural model of the mind divided into the “id,” the “ego,” and the “superego.”
The Nazis publicly burned a number of Freud’s books in 1933. Five years later, after the Nazis annexed Austria, Freud fled to London with his wife and daughter Anna.
He had been diagnosed with jaw cancer in 1923 and underwent over 30 operations before passing away from cancer on September 23, 1939.
Editoral Review
In “Civilization and Its Discontents,” Sigmund Freud delves deep into the human psyche, examining the nature of civilization and its impact on the individual. Published in 1930, this book stands as one of the most influential works in the field of psychoanalysis, as well as one of Freud’s most provocative and controversial pieces.
In his typical style, Freud explores the complexities of human nature, teasing out the conscious and unconscious desires that drive our thoughts and actions. Through a series of essays, he tackles topics ranging from the origins of civilization to the conflicts of modern society, drawing on a vast body of knowledge and research to support his arguments.
One of the key themes of the book is the tension that exists between the individual and society. Freud argues that civilization, by its very nature, imposes restraints and limitations on the human psyche, inhibiting our natural impulses and instincts.
This conflict between the individual and the collective creates a constant state of discord, as people struggle to reconcile their own desires with the demands of society. Throughout the book, Freud also delves into the concept of the subconscious mind, examining the ways in which our deepest desires and fears influence our thoughts and behaviors.
He argues that these impulses often lead to self-destructive behavior, creating a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering. Despite its age, “Civilization and Its Discontents” remains a remarkably relevant and insightful work, touching on many of the same issues that we grapple with today.
As we continue to struggle with the challenges of modern society, Freud’s words provide an important reminder of the complex forces that shape our lives and our world. At its core, this book is a gripping exploration of the human condition, blending philosophy, psychology, and social commentary into a thought-provoking and deeply moving narrative.
While it may not be an easy read, “Civilization and Its Discontents” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the human mind and the challenges of modern society. As such, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, or social commentary.
It is not a light read, but for those who are willing to delve deep into Freud’s ideas, it is an incredibly rewarding one. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
