Civilization and Its Discontents Book Summary

By Sigmund Freud

Published: 2010

Civilization and Its DiscontentsBook binding

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Book Review of Civilization and Its Discontents

Written in the decade before Freud's death, Civilization and Its Discontents may be his most famous and most brilliant work. It has been praised, dissected, lambasted, interpreted, and reinterpreted. Originally published in 1930, it seeks to answer several questions fundamental to human society and its organization: What influences led to the creation of civilization? Why and how did it come to be? What determines civilization's trajectory? Freud's theories on the effect of the knowledge of death on human existence and the birth of art are central to his work. Of the various English translations of Freud's major works to appear in his lifetime, only Norton's Standard Edition, under the general editorship of James Strachey, was authorized by Freud himself. This new edition includes both an introduction by the renowned cultural critic and writer Christopher Hitchens as well as Peter Gay's classic biographical note on Freud.

Book Overview of Civilization and Its Discontents

About the Book Author

S

Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst. Renowned for his theories of the unconscious mind, defense mechanisms, and the significance of dreams, Freud's work has profoundly influenced contemporary thought. Notable works include 'The Interpretation of Dreams,' 'Civilization and Its Discontents,' and 'The Psychopathology of Everyday Life.' His writing style is characterized by scholarly rigor intertwined with personal reflections, making complex psychological concepts accessible to a broader audience.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Sigmund Freud
Published
January 2010
Publisher
W. W. Norton
ISBN
N/A
Language
English
Pages
196
Genres
PhilosophyEthics and Morality

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