CIVILIZATION AND ITS DISCONTENTS (Penguin Modern Classics) by Sigmund Freud

Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud, a cornerstone in the Psychology category, was written in the last decade of Freud’s life and first published in 1929 in German. This profound work delves into Freud’s reflections on the inherent tension between the individual’s pursuit of freedom and society’s demand for conformity. In this exploration, Freud presents the central idea that what benefits civilization often conflicts with the desires and needs of the individual.

Freud posits that humans are naturally aggressive and self-centered, driven by a deep-seated desire for self-satisfaction. However, these innate desires are continually repressed by the demands and structures of civilization, leading to a persistent and familiar sense of guilt. This conflict between personal freedom and societal expectations is at the heart of Freud’s analysis, making Civilization and Its Discontents a critical read for anyone interested in the psychological underpinnings of human behavior and society.

As part of the Psychology category, this Penguin Modern Classics edition offers readers a chance to engage with Freud’s thought-provoking ideas, which continue to influence discussions on the nature of human happiness, the role of societal norms, and the psychological struggles that arise from this enduring conflict.