Sigmund Freud’s book The Future of an Illusion is a psychoanalytical work discussing the tenets of civilization and the impact of religious ideas on society. Success in any community is dependent on controlling people’s desires and harnessing their collective ability to create wealth. However, wealth congregates around the minority upper class, and the ruling class exerts subsequent pressure on the masses. Freud points out that religious ideals require no justification and can be used in tandem with civilization to uphold humanity to a higher standard. As put forth by Freud (1961), the objectives of a perfect and nurturing society are illusory sentiments associated with religion that are fundamentally unachievable but are effective in suppressing people’s desires.
Freud’s work decodes the nature of man and is particularly informative on his belief process. The analysis of how civilization is dependent on the exploitation of the masses is exceedingly accurate, especially considering society’s narcissism. To gain any form of advancement, people need to consider other cultures inferior, which relates to present-day problems. War, disease, and hunger are rampant global problems. However, the wealthy minority hoards the world’s wealth while the majority suffers. Moreover, the book delivers an in-depth understanding of belief systems and further exposes readers to the illusory nature of other systems in society, whether legal or political. Indeed, man upholds himself to a standard that is hard to achieve. Nonetheless, these ideals are necessary because they constantly motivate him to be better. Regarding accuracy and in-depth analysis, Freud takes care to establish his work in a contemporary timeline and carefully unravels how civilizations work and their crux.
In conclusion, Freud’s book provides its target audience with an in-depth understanding of how religious ideals shape and mold our actions making it an apt reading recommendation. Furthermore, the book psychoanalyzes the manner a society achieves success through the correlation between civilization, wealth, and people’s desires. Civilization requires the coercion of the masses to ensure success and the ideals of religion, such as compassion and caring, are useful in controlling people’s desires.
Reference
Freud, S. (1961). The future of an illusion. (J. Strachey, Trans.). New York, NY: Norton.