Civilization and Its Discontents is a famous work by Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud, in which he explores the relationship between society and personal happiness. In the book, Freud examines some of the tensions individuals experience while living in a society. Through his psychoanalytical approach, he argues that the modern condition of human beings is characterized by a deep sense of discontents, which is due largely to the conflicting nature of our most basic desires.
The book is structured around four central themes that explain why humans are discontent with life in a civilized society. These include his views about the tension between individual desires and collective interests, the psychological implications of living in a civilized environment, the concept of “oceanic feeling”, and the effects of civilization on the individual. In this article, we will explore what Freud had to say about these ideas and how they apply to our lives today.
What Are the Main Ideas Presented in Civilization and Its Discontents?
The main ideas in Freud’s Civilization and Its Discontents are as follows:
- The tension between individual desires and collective interests: Freud argued that society forces us to deny certain instinctual desires in order to live peacefully alongside others. In doing so, we must give up certain aspects of our individual freedom in order to comply with social norms. This creates a tension between our individual needs and the collective interests of society.
- The psychological implications of living in a civilized environment: Civilized societies put a high premium on the concept of “humaneness”. This is a word Freud uses to describe the idea of being able to relate to others on the level of mutual understanding and compassion. Conversely, individuals must also learn to suppress certain instinctual passions in order to live in a civilized society. This suppression, in turn, leads to a sense of discontentment.
- The concept of “oceanic feeling”: In the book, Freud refers to a particular type of religious feeling, which he calls “oceanic feeling”. This is a state of being where one feels a deep, unifying connection to the universe, allowing them to view themselves and the world around them in a much more interconnected way.
- The effects of civilization on the individual: Freud noted that, due to the tensions created between individual desires and collective interests, individuals can become increasingly discontented with life in a civilized society. This is due to having to suppress certain instinctual desires, which can often lead to feelings of resentment, anger, and frustration. Moreover, those who are content with life in a civilized society may also feel a sense of dissatisfaction due to the lack of genuine connection with other people.
What Is Freud’s View of Civilization?
Freud had a very ambivalent view of civilization. On one hand, he believed it had the potential to bring out the best in people and facilitate a sense of collaboration and collective interests. On the other hand, he also recognized how civilization sometimes constrains individuals and forces them to repress certain parts of their identity in order to fit in with society. As a result, he argued that those who live in civilizations are ultimately hindered from achieving true personal freedom.
In his view, individualistic cultures are more open to diverse ideas and interests, and thus allow for more personal expression and creativity. Conversely, civilizations tend to be more constrained and restrictive, leading individuals to experience a sense of emotional imprisonment and discontentment.
What is the “Oceanic Feeling” Described in the Book?
The oceanic feeling is the sensation of being immersed in a world of infinite and boundless love
In Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud describes the phenomenon of “oceanic feeling”. This is a particular type of religious sentiment that describes the experience of being deeply connected to the universe, and feeling a profound sense of oneness with all things. This is a feeling of connectedness that is characterized by the absence of fear, separation and judgment, and instead is filled with love and compassion.
Freud believed that the “oceanic feeling” is often thwarted by civilization and its pressure to conform to norms, as well as its tendency to repress certain instincts. He argued that this feeling cannot fully manifest itself in a society that forces individuals to sacrifice their authentic needs and desires in order to abide by social conventions.
How Does Civilization Cause Human Unhappiness?
For Freud, civilization often leads to human unhappiness due to its tendency to encourage conformity and pressure individuals to repress their instincts. As a result, those who live in a civilization may struggle to express their true selves and experience a sense of alienation, loneliness, and discontentment. Furthermore, the lack of individual freedom and genuine connection with others can leave one feeling powerless and frustrated.
At the same time, Freud maintained that civilization can also bring out the best in people. By promoting rules, values and norms, civilization can foster a sense of collaboration and collective interests. This can lead to improved standards of living and opportunities for personal growth and development. Ultimately, however, these benefits must be weighed against the restrictions imposed upon individuals in order to achieve them.
In the end, Freud argued that a true balance between the individual and the collective can only be struck when individuals are allowed to express themselves without constraint and without sacrificing their essential needs and desires. This, he believed, is the only way to ensure a sense of true happiness and contentment in any society.
Conclusion
In Civilization and Its Discontents, Sigmund Freud explored many of the tensions individuals experience while living in a society. He argued that these tensions often result in a deep discontentment, which can be attributed to the fact that individuals must repress their instinctual desires in order to conform to social conventions. He further held that a sense of genuine happiness and contentment can only be achieved when individuals are allowed to express themselves without fear of judgment or constraint.
These ideas remain highly relevant today, as we grapple with the issues of individuality and collective interests in our rapidly changing world. By analyzing Freud’s ideas, we can gain insight into how to better balance the pursuit of individual desires and collective interests, in order to bring about a more harmonious and contented society.
References
- Fancher, R. (1995). Psychoanalytic perspectives on civilization and its discontents. In Encyclopedia of Psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 202–204). Wiley.
- Robbins, S. (2002). Sigmund Freud: an introduction to his life and work. Routledge.
- Yudofsky, S. C. (2004). Encyclopedia of psychiatry, psychology, and psychoanalysis (Vol. 1). Infobase Publishing.