Civilization and its Discontents, chapters 3 and 4

In Chapters 3 and 4 of Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud continues to explore the conflict between the desire for individuality and the expectations of society. The vital tension between civilization and the individual, Freud writes, is grounded in the notion that humans have certain primitive, immutable instincts.

In chapter 3, Freud discusses happiness and unhappiness. He says that unhappiness can be caused by the “superior power of nature,” the limitations of the human body, and human relationships. He also remarks on the futility of trying to measure such an abstract concept as human happiness.

In chapter 4, Freud introduces what he sees as two types of love: sexual love and family love. The latter, he concludes, is an inhibited form of former. Freud thinks the family unit and union between a man and women is rooted in sexuality and basic needs.

Please read chapters three and four of Civilization and Its Discontents (*.pdf pages 30 – 51.) [The previous *.pdf was missing a couple of pages.] It may take 45 minutes to an hour to read.

YouTube is flooded with videos about this work, so if you find videos helpful, go check them out.

eNotes, a student and teacher educational website, has an entry for Civilization and Its Discontents with summary information and analysis about the work. I also came across a site called The Great Questions Foundation – it also has an entry for Civilization and Its Discontents.

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