In what remains one of his most seminal papers, Freud considers the incompatibil
ity of civilisation and individual happiness, and the tensions between the claim
s of society and the individual. We all know that living in civilised groups mea
ns sacrificing a degree of personal interest, but couldn't you argue that it in
fact creates the conditions for our happiness? Freud explores the arguments and
counter-arguments surrounding this proposition, focusing on what he perceives to
be one of society's greatest dangers; 'civilised' sexual morality. After all, d
oesn't repression of sexuality deeply affect people and compromise their chances
of happiness?
