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Civilization and Its Discontents

By Sigmund Freud
Penguin Classics
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud examines the inherent tension between the individual's quest for freedom and society's demand for conformity. Freud explores human nature, civilization's structures, and the resulting discontent individuals feel, raising profound questions about happiness and societal norms.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are interested in exploring the conflicts between individual desires and societal expectations, as well as Freud's insights into the psyche and human behaviour. This classic work delves into the tension between personal happiness and the demands of civilization, offering profound reflections on the nature of human discontent.

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Considers the incompatibility of civilisation and individual happiness, and the tensions between the claims of society and the individual. This work focuses on what the author perceives to be one of society's greatest dangers; 'civilised' sexual morality.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud is a groundbreaking philosophical and psychological treatise that delves into the complex relationship between individual psyche and societal expectations. In this influential work, Freud grapples with the perpetual struggle between man's quest for personal happiness and the restrictive demands of civilized society. He meticulously examines how human beings cope with such dichotomies, exploring both the profound satisfactions and severe repercussions arising from our social contracts. Freud's investigation navigates through various dimensions of human behaviour, dissecting the inherent conflict between our instinctual desires and the moral codes imposed by civilization.

Freud expounds on the psychological implications of repressing our natural inclinations, particularly in the realm of sexuality. He posits that the very fabric of society depends on the repression of individual desires to maintain order and cohesion. However, this repression comes at a personal cost, leading to internal conflicts, psychological distress, and a loss of true happiness. The work delves into the concept of "civilized" sexual morality, arguing that the suppression of sexual urges results in significant psychological disturbance

Furthermore, Freud addresses the notion that communal living necessitates the sacrifice of certain personal freedoms. Yet, he provocatively suggests that this compromise might, paradoxically, lay the groundwork for an individual's potential happiness by offering security and communal benefits. He investigates the mechanisms of guilt and the development of the superego, detailing how these internal structures are reinforced by the external demands of society.

Civilization and Its Discontents remains one of Freud's most incisive critiques of modern society, questioning whether our cultural achievements genuinely lead to greater happiness or simply mask underlying discontentment. It is an essential read for those interested in understanding the intersections of psychoanalysis, sociology, and philosophy, offering a profound analysis of the human condition and its discontents within the framework of civilization

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Civilization and Its Discontents is widely regarded as a profound exploration of the tension between individual instincts and societal expectations. Critics appreciate Freud's incisive critique of culture and human nature, highlighting the book's enduring relevance. Some find the writing dense but ultimately rewarding for its psychological insights and philosophical depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141182360

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 July 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by David McLintock

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 112g

Pages: 144

Collections

Classic Fiction Education & Reference Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Psychology Series: Penguin Modern Classics Sigmund Freud Tim's Picks

About the Author

Sigmund Freud was born in 1856 and died in exile in London in 1939. As a writer and doctor he remains one of the informing voices of the twentieth century.

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