In what remains one of his most seminal papers, Freud considers
the incompatibility of civilisation and individual happiness, and
the tensions between the claims of society and the individual. We
all know that living in civilised groups means 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, doesn't repression
of sexuality deeply affect people and compromise their chances of
happiness?