Animal Quote by Sigmund Freud
“The very emphasis of the commandment: Thou shalt not kill, makes it certain that we are descended from an endlessly long chain of generations of murderers, whose love of murder was in their blood as it is perhaps also in ours.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Future of an Illusion, 1927
He argues that the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” reflects a deep, inherited lineage of violence within humanity.
In simple terms: The commandment reveals humanity’s violent ancestry.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and break cycles of inherited violence.
Themes
violence
heritage
morality
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- family upbringing
- educational curricula
- legal systems
- media narratives
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
history
cultural evolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What cultural factors shape our view of killing?
- How can societies foster non‑violent norms?
A Different Perspective
It may overgeneralize complex moral development.
![“T]he state Republican chairman, Gaylord Parkinson, postulated what he called the Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.” quote by Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/16c/ronald-reagan-119_chairman_t-he-state-republican-chairman-gaylord-p_815043.jpg)
