The Story

This isn't a story in the traditional sense. It's two essays Freud wrote in 1915, right in the middle of the First World War. He's watching the supposedly 'civilized' nations of Europe tear each other apart, and he asks a simple, brutal question: How did this happen? His answer is that our civilized behavior is a performance. Deep down, he argues, we're still driven by aggressive, selfish instincts. War doesn't create a monster; it just lets the monster we already are come out to play. He also looks at how we deal with death, suggesting we prefer to ignore its reality until it forces itself upon us.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up thinking it would be a historical artifact, but it reads like a diagnosis of our current moment. Freud's central idea—that progress is fragile and our darker impulses are always waiting—is uncomfortably convincing. It's not a hopeful book, but it's a clarifying one. It strips away the idea that humans are naturally getting 'better' and forces you to confront a much messier truth. His writing here is direct and urgent, less concerned with complex theory and more with explaining the chaos outside his window.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone interested in psychology, history, or why the world feels like it's constantly on the brink. It's also great if you prefer Freud's shorter, more accessible essays over his dense case studies. Be warned: it's a pessimistic, sobering read. You won't come away feeling warm and fuzzy about humanity, but you might understand the headlines a little better. A short, powerful punch of a book that stays with you.