Freud = A+

           It is hard to write about something you agree with, unless you are just making a list of things you like. I cannot help but agree with Civilization and its Discontents, by Sigmund Freud, and say that I can relate personal experiences to almost everything he describes happens to humans throughout my life. Therefore, it was very hard for me to think of anything to write about this book besides just a summary. This book did give me a deeper understanding of life and how civilization works for or against us.

 Digression is one point that especially stood out to me and that humans are programmed to seek happiness, avoid pain and pursue pleasure. But above all, our first strong instinct is to be loved and find one person of the opposite sex to provide that love. I remember in middle school, the years where it was all about who was “boyfriend and girlfriend” with who. It was the center of the universe. Then to high school where there was the homecoming or prom king and queen. And then college, where almost half the adults I know told me, “You will definitely find your husband there!” The instinct cannot be removed from our society. It revolves around relationships. Many people slip into depressions when they do not feel loved, as many stay in relationships just to be loved and guarantee security. I know one of my biggest fears is being alone in the future and no matter what I do I always have that fear, it is programmed into me. 


Ashley Burger