#1301

Mentioned in 18 episodes

Civilization and its discontents

Book • 1939

Sigmund Freud's "Civilization and Its Discontents" delves into the inherent conflict between individual desires and societal demands.

Freud explores the tension between the pleasure principle and the reality principle, arguing that civilization's restrictions on instinctual gratification lead to widespread unhappiness.

He examines the role of aggression and the development of the superego in shaping human behavior.

The book also touches upon the influence of religion and the search for meaning in human life.

Ultimately, Freud suggests that a degree of discontent is inevitable in a civilized society.

Mentioned by

Simon Critchley

Patrick Blanchfield

Duane Rousselle

Michael Knowles

Mentioned in 18 episodes

Mentioned by

Alex Danco

while discussing human unhappiness and the projection of discontent.

Hyperlegible 004: Alex Danco, Scarcity and Abundance in 2025

Mentioned by

David Tacey

as a book where Freud wrote extensively about our relations with the wave-like dimension in entirely negative terms.

David Tacey Series Talk 5: The Differences Between Spiritual Emergence and Mental Illness

Mentioned by

Paul Bloom

, acknowledging his significant impact despite criticisms of his theories.

Paul Bloom on Psych, Psychology, and the Human Mind

Todd McGowan

references a line at the end, about refusing to rise up before his fellow humans as a prophet.

Referenced when discussing civilization and its discontents.

#728: I Debated AI in the Shower for 30 Days

Recommended by

Tai Lopez

as the most genius book on the subject of happiness, particularly highlighting the second chapter.

Curiosity, Copy, and Fast Execution: Marketing Lessons from Tai Lopez | #Marketing - Ep. 56

Mentioned as inspiration for Marcuse's title of Eros and Civilization.

Marcuse’s “One-Dimensional Man” 3 of 4 – One-Dimensional Man & Repressive Desublimation

Mentioned by

R.C. Sproul

in the context of Freud's views on civilization and its discontents.

Kant’s Moral Argument

Mentioned by

Harriet Wolfe

in a discussion about primary aggression and its roots in human nature.

What Can Psychoanalysis Offer to Alleviate Toxic Polarization - Harriet Wolfe

Mentioned by

Frank Furedi

in relation to his understanding of the cultural and civilizational influences on our inner lives.

The danger of self reflection | John Vervaeke, Isabel Millar, Frank Furedi and Joanna Kavenna

Mentioned by

Orion Taraban

as the book in which Freud argues that the frustration of the sexual impulse gives rise to anxiety.

Episode 536: Everything is about sex (the true power of male desire)

Mentioned by

Leo Bersani

when explaining Chapter 7.

Leo Bersani and Adam Phillips, “Intimacies” (University of Chicago Press, 2008)

Included in Tai's iBooks folder of geniuses.

#719 - The Final Reckoning Is Coming—And It’s Not a Movie: Tai Lopez on Power, AI, and Human Nature

Mentioned by

Duane Rousselle

in relation to the concept of becoming gods in our bedrooms.

Psychoanalysis, Truth, Bullshit, Philosophy, and Religion with Duane Rousselle

Mentioned by

Jacke Wilson

and

Joshua Ferris

as a central figure in the discussion, focusing on his theories and his relationship with Nabokov.

674 Nabokov vs Freud (with Joshua Ferris) [Ad-Free Re-Release]

Mentioned by

Abby Kluchin

and

Simon Critchley

in relation to his views on mysticism and the oceanic feeling.

82: Effing the Ineffable feat. Simon Critchley

Mentioned by

Barry Taylor

in a discussion about Freud's views on religion and civilization.

Barry Taylor: Sense of the Sacred

Mentioned by

Richard Dolan

in the context of discussing the human psyche and primal urges.

Richard Dolan: UFOs, God, Disclosure, Alien Encounters, Totalitarianism, Faith

Mentioned by

Michael Knowles

as the main topic of this month’s book club.

The Book Club: Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud with Stephen Marmer

Mentioned by

Patrick Blanchfield

when discussing Freud's implicit argument for the social benefits of religion.

83: Religion and Neurosis feat. Nathan Rein Teaser

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