TOW #4 - IRB: "Civilization and Its Discontents" by Sigmund Freud (Part I)

The purpose of religion, functions of our mind and ego, and a human's purpose in life are one complicated questions that have yet to receive a direct, final answer. Sigmund Freud attempts to tackle these delicate topics with a psycho-analytic perspective, one that is equally confusing and difficult to grasp. Yet with the usage of smooth transitions and enumeration, Freud writes about 20th century culture and thoughts in a way that is easy for readers to comprehend.

The essay begins with the description of an “oceanic” feeling religion utilizes, a feeling mentioned by Romain Rolland. Delving into what this oceanic feeling is, Freud explains that this feeling is not, as Rolland believed, a human urge to feel united with the outside world, but "infantile helplessness" (Freud 21). Freud then transitions into man's faith in religion and a God. Concession and refutation is used multiple times as a means of transition. The same structure is used by Freud, which consists of: bringing up a common misconception about the topic, refuting the accuracy of the topic, and transitioning to what his viewpoint is. This constant pattern provides easy understanding for the reader and a layout that is simple and straight to the point.

Methods in which humans escape misery and the ways one receives suffering, are situations in which Freud uses enumeration. One example of enumeration is when Freud describes what causes our suffering: from our own body, the world around us, and from others around us. By pinpointing the three causes, Freud then discusses the methods in which we attempt to escape the three ways, whether it be through alcohol or isolation. The use enumeration acts as a topic sentence and a road map; it guides the reader and helps him reader clearly identify Freud's argument.

I found this book surprising in the way Freud remains steadfast in his simple answers about life. Though I disagree with Freud in some ways, his argument causes me to view some beliefs in a different light. Is the oceanic feeling that religion uses simply a fear of fate? Is a human’s purpose simply pleasure?