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Aggressive Quote by Sigmund Freud

“No other technique for the conduct of life attaches the individual so firmly to reality as laying emphasis on work; for his work at least gives him a secure place in a portion of reality, in the human community. The possibility it offers of displacing a large amount of libidinal components…” quote by Sigmund Freud
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“No other technique for the conduct of life attaches the individual so firmly to reality as laying emphasis on work; for his work at least gives him a secure place in a portion of reality, in the human community. The possibility it offers of displacing a large amount of libidinal components, whether narcissistic, aggressive or even erotic, on to professional work and on to the human relations connected with it lends it a value by no means second to what it enjoys as something indispensable to the preservation and justification of existence in society.”

Sigmund Freud

About This Quote

Source Book: The Ego and the Id, Sigmund Freud, 1923

Work grounds individuals in reality, providing social identity and a means to channel primal urges into productive activity.

In simple terms: Work ties us to reality and redirects urges.

Key Takeaway

Use work to find purpose and balance.

Themes

identity reality social integration

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • career development
  • community involvement
  • personal fulfillment
  • stress management

Key Concepts

psychoanalysis libidinal energy work as sublimation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your work reflect your values?
  • Can work replace deeper personal connections?
A Different Perspective

Work may not satisfy deeper existential needs beyond material stability.

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