Analysis Of Civilization And Its Discontent By Sigmund Freud

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In the essay Civilisation and Its Discontent, Sigmund Freud analyses societies and tries to make sense of human behaviors, beliefs, desires, fears, and impulses. Throughout the essay, Freud reveals indirectly that society is on a decline. The first theoretical perspective found in Civilisation and its Discontent is the id, the ego, and the superego. This is the foundation of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic personality theory. According to Freud, when an infant is born it is only equip with the id. The id represents all selfish desires and operates within the unconscious mind. Also, Freud believes the id is the strongest motivating force within an individual. During the oral stage, a child’s ego is develops. The egos role is to control the …show more content…
Firstly, he states that from childhood, children are taught to obey their parents. This is what becomes the foundation of ones morals which is reflected by the superego. He continues to write that the drive of Eros alone cannot guarantee peace among civilisations. Thus civilisations utalize rule and regulations to prevent conflict. These rules and regulations, ultimately also contribute to ones morals (superego). In the final chapter on Civilisation and Its discontent, Freud states that the superego is responsible for creating the sense of guilt. Also that guilt can be attained just by thoughts or desires. The chapter is summarised by Freud concluding we are dissatisfied with civilisation due to the price of having to give up the ego’s desires and having replaced them with guilt. In conclusion, Civilisation and Its Discontent was filled with various theories to explain ones behavior, beliefs, impulses, fears, and desires. The essay was written in an unique formate jumping from theory to theory and at times returning to elaborate on particular concepts. Perhaps by summarising and structuring the essay in a chronological order, the reading experience could have been more pleasant. Lastly, each theory was explained conceptually, but Freud failed to strengthened through empirical

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