Civilization and Its Discontents

by Sigmund Freud
Civilization and Its Discontents cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Paperback • £7.99–£8.99 Hardback • £12.99
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Format • £14.24
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  • ID: 5379
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Publisher: Namaskar Book
  • Published: 2024-02-02
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Sigmund Freud's 'Civilization and Its Discontents' delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the intricate balance between personal freedom and social order. This groundbreaking work challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers to question the foundations of civilization itself. /n/n Beyond the surface analysis of human behavior, Freud's provocative ideas delve into deeper themes of morality, culture, and the unconscious mind. The book offers profound insights into the challenges of living in society and invites readers to consider how these insights can help navigate modern life and find greater fulfillment.

Reviews
Reddit - r/psychoanalysis · Unspecified · 2024-05-05
accessible 4.00

The book is considered a great place to start with Freud, addressing the methods people employ to achieve happiness. The reviewer appreciates the book's accessibility and relevance to understanding psychoanalytic theory.

The Reddit review discusses the book as a great starting point for those new to Freud's work. It addresses the different methods people employ to achieve happiness, making it a relevant and accessible introduction to psychoanalytic theory. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to tackle complex ideas in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking. They highlight the book's relevance in understanding the human psyche and the challenges of achieving happiness in a civilized society. The discussion on Reddit emphasizes the book's accessibility and its value in introducing readers to Freud's key concepts.

Quick quotes

    It's a great place to start with Freud!

    You should be aware that it comes in relatively accessible, addressing what we mean by civilisation and what the cost to us is of being civilised.

    The book tackles complex ideas in a way that is engaging and thought-provoking.

Astrofella · Unspecified · 2023-06-30
insightful 3.80

Freud suggests that civilization is built on the renunciation of sexual and aggressive drives, which benefits society but often comes at a personal cost. The reviewer finds the book thought-provoking and insightful, though some may find it challenging.

In the Astrofella review, Freud's central thesis is explored: civilization is built on the renunciation of sexual and aggressive drives. While this benefits wider society, it often comes at a personal cost, leading to discontent. The reviewer finds the book thought-provoking and insightful, highlighting Freud's ability to delve into the complexities of human nature. However, they acknowledge that some readers may find the concepts challenging and the arguments difficult to fully grasp. The review emphasizes the book's relevance in understanding the tensions between individual desires and societal expectations.

Quick quotes

    Freud suggests that civilisation is built on the renunciation of sexual and aggressive drives but that, although this benefits wider society, it often comes at a personal cost.

    The reviewer finds the book thought-provoking and insightful, highlighting Freud's ability to delve into the complexities of human nature.

    Some readers may find the concepts challenging and the arguments difficult to fully grasp.

The New York Times · Unspecified · 2005-05-08
controversial 3.50

The essay presents three unprovable arguments about the relationship between civilization and individual development. Freud's work is seen as profound but controversial, with arguments that are difficult to substantiate.

The New York Times review delves into the core arguments presented by Freud in his essay. Freud's essay rests on three arguments that are impossible to prove: the development of civilization recapitulates the development of the individual. These arguments are seen as profound but controversial, with the reviewer noting that they are difficult to substantiate. The essay explores the complex relationship between civilization and individual happiness, highlighting the tensions and discontents that arise from this dynamic. Freud's ideas are thought-provoking, but the reviewer points out the challenges in verifying his claims, making the work both intriguing and contentious.

Quick quotes

    Freud's essay rests on three arguments that are impossible to prove: the development of civilization recapitulates the development of the individual.

    These arguments are profound but controversial, and difficult to substantiate.

    The essay explores the complex relationship between civilization and individual happiness, highlighting the tensions and discontents that arise from this dynamic.

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