Happiness Quote by Sigmund Freud
“Just as a satisfaction of instinct spells happiness for us, so severe suffering is caused us if the external world lets us starve, if it refuses to sate our needs. One may therefore hope to be freed from a part of one's sufferings by influencing the instinctual impulses.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Civilization and Its Discontents, 1930
Instinctual needs cause suffering when unmet; influencing impulses may reduce suffering.
In simple terms: Unmet needs cause pain; controlling impulses can help.
Key Takeaway
Manage impulses to lessen suffering.
Themes
suffering
instincts
control
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy
- mindfulness
- self‑regulation
- healthcare
Key Concepts
psychoanalysis
need theory
freudianism
Questions to Reflect On
- What impulses can you influence?
- How do external factors affect your needs?
A Different Perspective
Control alone cannot eliminate all suffering.
