Civilization and Its Discontents

Civilization and Its Discontents is considered Freud's most brilliant work. We all know that living in civilized groups means sacrificing a degree of personal interest, but couldn't you argue that it in fact creates the conditions for our happiness? 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 theme is that what works for civilization doesn't necessarily work for man. Man, by nature aggressive and egotistical, seeks self-satisfaction.