Civilization and Its Discontents

By: Sigmund Freud

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

First published in 1930, Civilization and Its Discontents is one of the most influential works of pioneering psychologist Sigmund Freud. Focusing on the tension between the primitive drives of the individual and the demands of civilization for order and conformity, Freud draws upon his psychoanalytic theories to explain the fundamental structures, conflicts, and consequences of society. Written in the aftermath of World War I, Civilization and Its Discontents advances the idea that humans' instinctive desires---violent urges and sexual drives---create the need for law and structure, which, when implemented, create constant feelings of discontent. A seminal work in psychology, Civilization and Its Discontents has sparked debate since its publication and continues to be widely read today. This edition is the translation by James Strachey.

©1961 Institute of Psychoanalysis (P)2011 Tantor

Thought I understood Freudian Psychology…

Until I heard this work. Truly, the detail and performance gave an unmistakable clarity to classic Freudian concepts with the larger impact and application on the overall individual psyche and thought-provoking result on collectivism in various social/communal tribes like religion and philosophy.

Perfectly read work of an imperfect genius!!

So clear, perfectly executed. Freud, brilliant as is was, had flaws in his analysis, the reader does not, well I dont know him personally but this reading was excellent.

Seminal work engagingly read.

Precise reading of Freud's most important work consolidating the tripartite structure of the mind with the two instincts, the pleasure principle and the death drive. More famously, the book investigates the nature of the social contract as involving the extension of the superego so it stands for society's rules that we must accommodate to enjoy the benefits of civilization.

The recording of the audio could be better

Took one star off performance because the audio itself sounds like someone recorded it, played it on computer speakers, then recorded that and that is our final product here. The narrator is still completely understandable, though.

Freudian Depth Charger

Sometimes Freud reaches too far, others not near enough.
Although his other work has been immensely articulate and nuanced, some parts of this one felt half-baked or cast-off--- as though these snippets were found separately and haphazardly fashioned together.
It's painful to critique such a brilliant and disciplined mind, one whose left shoe would remain mostly empty were I to step into it, but this one overall left me with a sense of less than rather than overflowing.
It has some decidedly insightful parts, I must say, but just not to the same degree of his other more robust and flourished works.

Educational. Ups youre IQ

Great read. Left this book a little smarter. Gained atleast 20 words to my vocabulary.

pretty boring

the subject matter is interesting but this book is none the less very boring. I think it would've been a lot better if it was written in a more digestible way. it's as if he's only speaking to other experts in his field

Very interesting points on human nature and the world

However, in order to understand Freud’s points it is essential to have a basic understanding of the structure of his theory of emotions, etc.

Guilt as a societal construct

Excellent work! Freud is by far the most important mind in psychology. That’s it fifteen word minimum

Atheistic Freud

This is Freud applying his psychological theories to the whole of civilization. He understands much about the human condition except that he only sees the shell of religion and has no belief in God whatsoever. Thus he is blind to the real power of the spiritual realm. He sees it only as an illusory extension of natural existence.

HIs ideas are valid only in that they play out in the real world as he describes. However, he fails to recognize those who are successful in applying power beyond this natural existence to overcome the effects of the Id. He also incorrectly describes the super ego as a natural extension of the mind and not as the human soul that is affected by heavenly influence.

He is so brilliant and yet he is so blind.