Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist born in 1856 in Freiburg, Austrian Empire (now Czech Republic). He was raised in a middle-class Jewish family and went on to become a qualified doctor of medicine and eventually a professor.

Freud was considered the father of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a way to understand and help people with their thoughts and feelings by talking about their past experiences and unconscious mind. Freud believed that human behaviour is driven by unconscious desires and instincts that are often in conflict with societal norms and expectations. He argued that psychoanalysis could help individuals gain insight into their unconscious mind, resolve internal conflicts, and ultimately achieve an ultimate state of well-being.

He developed the concept of the id, ego, and superego, which are three components of the human psyche. The id represents our basic instincts and desires, the ego is the conscious self that mediates between the id and reality, and the superego is the moral and ethical aspect of the mind.

Although somewhat controversial in some of his views on various drugs, sexual desires, and controls, his ideologies, concepts, and philosophy have had a profound impact on modern society. ‘

I found his ideology on the pleasure vs reality principle quite interesting, in which, through overindulgence we can lose ourselves and can eventually become irreversible. Instead, in order to achieve balance we must adapt to the reality principle.

In simple terms, the pleasure principle refers to our instinctual desire for immediate gratification and seeking pleasure. It is associated with our basic needs and wants. The pleasure principle is all about seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.

The reality principle on the other hand is when we face the constraints and demands of the real world. It involves holding off from forms of immediate gratification in order to achieve long-term goals. The reality principle takes into consideration the consequences and limitations of our actions.

Freud believed that the balance between the pleasure and reality principles helps develop who we are and our behaviour and decisions. While the pleasure principle seeks instant gratification, the reality principle helps us navigate the complexities of everyday life by considering social norms, responsibilities, and consequences.

Sigmund Freud was one of the most famous modern day philosophers and his ideologies have helped people understand the world, life and our minds. He was a remarkable thinker and I believe an important contributor in the search for happiness.

“The only person with whom you have to compare yourself is you in the past.”

Thanks,

Dean