To say that historical conditions made personal life possible, and with it the self-consciousness that allowed psychoanalysis to emerge, is to tell half the story: one also has to consider that the erotic impulse, ever pressing for satisfaction, had something to do with making the history that encouraged its expression.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Historical conditions enable personal life and psychoanalysis, but the erotic impulse also actively shapes history by demanding expression.
- In plain terms
- Sexual desire pushes history forward as much as conditions do.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize desire as a driver of social change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- In what ways does desire shape my era?
- How do conditions limit desire?
Another view
Other forces like economics also heavily influence history.
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