Civilization and Its Discontents Study Guide

Civilization and Its Discontents Summary

In the introductory paragraphs, Freud attempts to understand the spiritual phenomenon of a so-called "oceanic" feeling - the sense of boundlessness and oneness felt between the ego and the outside world. This feeling is "a purely subjective fact, not an article of faith." It does not betoken an allegiance to a specific religion, but instead points to the source of religious sentiment in human beings. Churches and religious institutions are adept at channeling this sentiment into particular belief systems, but they do not themselves create it.

In general, the ego perceives itself as maintaining "sharp and clear lines of demarcation" with the outside world. This distinction between inside and outside is a crucial part of the process of…

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Recent Questions for Civilization and Its Discontents

Posted By tasha m #228441 at Feb 03, 2012 1:25 PM

What was the human feeling that opposed love in Freud,Cicilization and its Discontents.

what was the human feeling that opposed love.

Civilization and Its Discontents | Answers: 2

Posted By vivek s #200619 at Sep 17, 2011 12:49 AM

how to change yourself

civilization

Civilization and Its Discontents | Answers: 1

Posted By jessica l #62137 at Jul 25, 2008 2:54 PM

What is the id?

I've been reading through this book and some other stuff by Freud and I'm wondering - what is the id, really? Is the id what we REALLY are? Is it some kind of shared identity for people across cultures? Is it kind of like the biological memory in evolution theory? Anyway, it's just really interesting to think about.

Civilization and Its Discontents | Answers: 1