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.

While the language has changed....

A great insight into the beginning of psychoanalysis of the ego, the inner critica, and guilt. As times have progressed his assessments were spot on that we would see these ideals transform and be better explained. We can now dive down much faster to the root of our guilt and happiness with much more clarity.

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.