Civilization and Its Discontents

Civilization and Its Discontents was written in the decade leading up to Freud's death and originally published in German in 1929. In it, he expresses his thoughts on the larger topic of man's place in the world, which Freud characterises as a constant struggle between the individual's need for freedom and society's demand for conformity. The basic concept of Freud's work is that what works for civilization does not always work for man. Man is aggressive and selfish by nature, and he seeks self-satisfaction. However, his innate desires are stifled by civilisation. As a result, there is a pervasive and familiar sense of guilt.