Eros and Thanatos: The Dual Forces of Creation and Conflict

Eros represents not just sexual desire but a fundamental drive for creation and connection that influences various aspects of human life, including forming deep relationships, building families, and fostering communities. This creative urge extends to artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing a collective fixation on life and survival. In contrast, Thanatos embodies an inherent focus on death and mortality. While Freud posits a perpetual conflict between these two drives, Marcuse challenges this notion by highlighting the role of social frameworks in shaping individual desires and behaviors. This perspective suggests that our drives are influenced by the societal contexts in which we operate, ultimately affecting both our personal and collective pursuits.