That is the real pivot of all bourgeois consciousness in…
“That is the real pivot of all bourgeois consciousness in all countries: fear and hate of the instinctive, intuitional, procreativebody in man or woman. But of course this fear and hate had to take on a righteous appearance, so it became moral, said that the instincts, intuitions and all the activities of the procreative body were evil, and promised a reward for their suppression. That is the great clue to bourgeois psychology: the reward business.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Bourgeois societies label natural desires as immoral, turning fear into a moral crusade that promises reward for suppression.
In simple terms: Society condemns natural urges, promising reward for repression.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question moral judgments that suppress instinct.
Themes
social critique
psychology
morality
power
sex
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- personal relationships
- activism
Key Concepts
repression
reward systems
bourgeois ideology
instinct vs culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do moral narratives shape personal freedom?
- What rewards are offered for conformity?
A Different Perspective
Such moral framing can ignore individual autonomy and diversity.