Freud

2 Pages 385 Words

“ … We come upon a contention which is so astonishing that we must dwell upon it.

This contention holds that what we call our civilization is largely responsible for our

misery and that we should give it up and return to primitive conditions...” (Page 38)

Freud states this, meaning that in every way we try to protect our selves from civilization,

it is civilization itself that is making us suffer. Freud argues that civilization has its good

and bad points. Some good points in civilization are the medicines that we use,

different variations of travel, computers and highways. Some of the bad things that

come from civilization are terrorism and the weapons that are used for terrorism.

Freud states that humans are not secure in their civilization itself. He states that in

the earlier ages there were extenuating circumstances including culture, etc. that made

happiness impossible. In trying to pursue happiness, the cause is not worth while; for

suffering always plays apart which ultimately causes failure.

Freud also argues the amount of frustration that civilization imposes on our

instincts are much greater than it ought to be. He states the civilization is discontented

because our instincts are being forced out. Now our instincts are inborn. So when we

have an instinct, it would not be conscience.

Now, Civilization is the imposition on our freedom by a higher power, this makes

human kind mad. Man wants only to be happy, but there are many things inside of us

whether they are unconscious, or conscience that won’t let us be happy. Freud talks

about the “ID” which is the unconscious self, in terms of the reality principle. And then

the Ego, which is the conscience self.

Freud says that man created a god like figure. This would contribute to dreams of

man. Freud would explain this as, that man wants a father like figure, ...