Aggressiveness Quote by Sigmund Freud
![“The element of truth behind all this, which people are so ready to disavow, is that [humans] are not gentle creatures who want to be loved, and who at the most can defend themselves if attacked; they are, on the contrary, creatures among whose instinctual endowments is to be reckoned a powerful…” quote by Sigmund Freud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/689/sigmund-freud-360_love_the-element-of-truth-behind-all-this-whi_1967950.jpg)
““The element of truth behind all this, which people are so ready to disavow, is that [humans] are not gentle creatures who want to be loved, and who at the most can defend themselves if attacked; they are, on the contrary, creatures among whose instinctual endowments is to be reckoned a powerful share of aggressiveness. ... It is always possible to bind together a considerable number of people in love, so long as there are other people left over to receive the manifestations of their aggressiveness.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Civilization and Its Discontents, 1930
Human nature includes a strong aggressive drive that coexists with the capacity for love; societies must balance these forces.
In simple terms: People are both loving and aggressive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and channel aggression constructively.
Themes
human nature
society
aggression
love
balance
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
psychological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- team leadership
- conflict resolution
- community building
Key Concepts
Freudian theory
instinctual drives
civilization
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance love and aggression in your life?
- What outlets help you express aggression healthily?
A Different Perspective
Aggression may be suppressed, leading to hidden resentment.
![“We know that Donald Trump has shown a very troubling willingness to back up [Vladimir] Putin, to support Putin, whether it's saying that NATO wouldn't come to the rescue of allies if they were invaded, talking about removing sanctions from Russian officials after they were imposed by the United…” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e50/hillary-clinton-51_aggressiveness_we-know-that-donald-trump-has-shown-a-ve_151319.jpg)
