Civilizations and its discontents / Sigmund Freud

"Civilization and Its Discontents" is a seminal work by Sigmund Freud, first published in 1930. In this book, Freud delves into the inherent tension between individual desires and the demands of civilization. He posits that while civilization is essential for human coexistence, it necessitates the suppression of innate instincts, leading to an underlying sense of dissatisfaction among individuals. This conflict arises because the structures and norms of society often require the repression of basic human drives, resulting in a perpetual feeling of unease.