ABSTRACT
In Civilization and its Discontents Sigmund Freud argues that there is a fundamental ‘antithesis’ between civilization and man’s most primal urges.
The existence of this inclination to aggression, which we can detect in our-
selves and justly assume to be present in others, is the factor which disturbs
our relations with our neighbour and which forces civilization into such a
high expenditure. In consequence […] civilized society is perpetually
threatened with disintegration. The interest of work in common would not
hold it together; instinctual passions are stronger than reasonable interests.
