Civilization and Its Discontents

1. Civilization's Discontents: A Universal Struggle

It is impossible to resist the impression that people commonly apply false standards, seeking power, success and wealth for themselves and admiring them in others, while underrating what is truly valuable in life.

False standards prevail. Freud observes that society often values superficial achievements like power and wealth over genuine human worth. This misaligned value system contributes to a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction, as individuals chase after fleeting goals instead of pursuing deeper fulfillment. This creates a cycle of discontent, where people are constantly striving for things that don't truly satisfy them.

Subjective vs. objective value. The book highlights the gap between what society deems valuable and what individuals find meaningful. This discrepancy leads to a sense of alienation and a feeling that something is fundamentally wrong with the way we live. The pursuit of external validation often overshadows the importance of internal well-being and personal growth.

• The "oceanic feeling" of limitlessness and oneness with the universe is a subjective experience that is often overlooked in favor of more tangible pursuits.
• The pursuit of happiness is often misdirected towards external achievements rather than internal peace.

The human condition. This struggle is not unique to any particular time or place; it is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. The tension between individual desires and societal expectations creates a constant state of unease, which is a core theme of the book.

2. The Elusive Pursuit of Happiness

The programme for attaining happiness, imposed on us by the pleasure principle, cannot be fully realized, but we must not – indeed cannot – abandon our efforts to bring its realization somehow closer.

Happiness is fleeting. Freud argues that true happiness, defined as the intense satisfaction of pent-up needs, is inherently episodic and cannot be sustained. The human condition is such that we are more easily susceptible to unhappiness than to lasting joy. This is due to the constant threats of suffering from our bodies, the external world, and our relationships with others.

Multiple paths to cope. To cope with the inherent difficulties of life, people employ various strategies, including:

• Distractions (e.g., work, hobbies)
• Substitutive satisfactions (e.g., art, imagination)
• Intoxicants (e.g., drugs, alcohol)
• Love and relationships
• Sublimation of drives
• Deliberate isolation
• Religious beliefs

Individualized solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness. Each individual must discover their own path, based on their unique constitution and circumstances. The pursuit of happiness is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another.

3. Civilization's Double-Edged Sword

It is contended that much of the blame for our misery lies with what we call our civilization, and that we should be far happier if we were to abandon it and revert to primitive conditions.

Civilization as a paradox. While civilization provides protection against nature and regulates social relations, it also imposes restrictions that lead to unhappiness. The very structures that are meant to improve our lives can also be the source of our discontent. This creates a paradox where the pursuit of progress can lead to a decline in individual well-being.

Cultural achievements and their costs. Civilization's advancements in science, technology, and art are undeniable, but they come at a cost. The suppression of instinctual drives, particularly sexual and aggressive ones, leads to internal conflict and a sense of unease.

• The taming of fire, the use of tools, and the building of dwellings are all examples of civilization's achievements.
• However, these achievements are often accompanied by a loss of individual freedom and a heightened sense of guilt.

The illusion of progress. The book questions whether technological progress has truly made us happier. While we have gained control over nature, we have also become more alienated from our own instincts and desires. The pursuit of external progress often comes at the expense of internal peace and contentment.

4. Love and Civilization: A Complex Relationship

The love that founded the family remains effective in civilization, both in its original form, in which direct sexual satisfaction is not renounced, and in its modified form as aim-inhibited affection.

Love as a foundation. Love, both sexual and aim-inhibited, is a fundamental force that binds people together and forms the basis of civilization. The family unit, built on love, is the cornerstone of society. However, the relationship between love and civilization is not always harmonious.

Conflicts and restrictions. Civilization often restricts sexual expression and object choice, leading to conflict between individual desires and societal norms. The demands of civilization often clash with the natural expression of love, creating tension and frustration.

• The prohibition of incest is a prime example of civilization's restrictions on sexual life.
• The emphasis on monogamy and heterosexual relationships further limits individual freedom.

Love's transformative power. Love can be a source of great happiness, but it also makes us vulnerable to suffering. The loss of a loved one or the rejection of love can be deeply painful. However, love also has the power to transform us, leading to aim-inhibited affection and a sense of connection with others.

5. Aggression: The Unavoidable Obstacle

The reality behind all this, which many would deny, is that human beings are not gentle creatures in need of love, at most able to defend themselves if attacked; on the contrary, they can count a powerful share of aggression among their instinctual endowments.

Innate aggression. Freud posits that humans have an innate aggressive drive that is a major obstacle to civilization. This drive is not simply a reaction to external stimuli; it is a fundamental part of our nature. This inherent aggression is a constant threat to social harmony and individual well-being.

Civilization's struggle. Civilization must constantly work to control and redirect this aggression, often through the use of laws, social norms, and moral codes. The suppression of aggression, however, can lead to internal conflict and a heightened sense of guilt.

• The commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself" is a direct attempt to counter human aggression.
• However, this commandment is often impossible to follow, given our inherent tendencies.

The illusion of peace. The book challenges the notion that humans are inherently good. The history of humanity is filled with violence and conflict, demonstrating the pervasive nature of our aggressive tendencies. The pursuit of peace and harmony is a constant struggle against our own nature.

6. Guilt: Civilization's Internal Enforcer

The aggression is introjected, internalized, actually sent back to where it came from; in other words, it is directed against the individual’s own ego.

Internalized aggression. Civilization internalizes aggression by turning it against the individual's own ego, creating the super-ego and the sense of guilt. This process is a key mechanism by which society controls individual behavior. The super-ego acts as an internal authority, constantly judging and punishing the ego.

Two origins of guilt. The sense of guilt has two origins:

• Fear of external authority (loss of love)
• Fear of the internal authority (super-ego)
  The first is a fear of punishment from external sources, while the second is a fear of self-punishment.

Guilt and renunciation. The more we renounce our instinctual drives, the stronger our sense of guilt becomes. This creates a vicious cycle where the pursuit of civilization leads to increased internal suffering. The super-ego's demands are often unrealistic and impossible to meet, leading to a constant state of unease.

7. The Unending Battle: Eros vs. Death

This development must show us the struggle between Eros and death, between the life drive and the drive for destruction, as it is played out in the human race.

Eros and Thanatos. Freud introduces the concepts of Eros (the life drive) and Thanatos (the death drive) as the two fundamental forces that shape human existence. Eros seeks to unite and create, while Thanatos seeks to destroy and return to an inorganic state. This constant struggle between these two drives is the driving force behind both individual and cultural development.

Civilization as a battleground. Civilization is the arena where this battle between Eros and Thanatos is played out. The tension between the desire for connection and the urge for destruction is a constant source of conflict and unease.

• The pursuit of love and connection is a manifestation of Eros.
• The tendency towards aggression and violence is a manifestation of Thanatos.

The human condition. The struggle between Eros and Thanatos is an inherent part of the human condition. It is a battle that we can never fully win, but one that we must constantly engage in. The pursuit of civilization is an attempt to channel these forces in a way that promotes life and connection, but it is a never-ending process.

Last updated: March 22, 2025