Civilization and Its Discontents

by Sigmund Freud

Overview

This is Sigmund Freud’s seminal text where he explores what he sees as the fundamental tensions between civilization and the individual. He contends that the greatest friction is between the individual's quest for freedom and civilization's contrary demand for conformity. Thus humankind's primitive instincts to kill and sexual gratification are harmful to human society, so we create laws and severe punishments to prevent murder, rape, and adultery. Freud argues that this results in perpetual feelings of discontent in its citizens.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849022743
Publisher:	Benediction Classics
Publication date:	10/11/2011
Pages:	148
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) is one of the twentieth century's greatest minds and the founder of the psychoanalytic school of psychology. His many works include The Ego and the Id; An Outline of Psycho-Analysis; Inhibitions; Symptoms and Anxiety; New Introductory Lectures on Psycho-Analysis; Civilization and Its Discontent, and others.

Christopher Hitchens is the author of God Is Not Great, Hitch-22, and Why Orwell Matters.

Peter Gay is the author of more than twenty-five books, including the National Book Award winner The Enlightenment, the best-selling Weimar Culture, and the widely translated Freud: A Life for Our Time. He lives in New York City.