Totem and Taboo

Totem and Taboo by Sigmund Freud, published by Courier Dover Publications in November 2018, is a reprint edition comprising 160 pages in English. This collection of essays, originally published in 1918, delves into the complexities of human behavior, focusing on the tension between primitive instincts and the expectations of civilization. Freud explores the concept of totemism, highlighting the sacred connections between objects and kinship groups, and examines how these beliefs relate to societal taboos.

In this work, readers will find Freud’s analysis of the incest taboo and its manifestations in various primitive societies, as well as discussions on taboo, emotional ambivalence, animism, and the power of thought. The essays aim to trace the origins of these concepts back to childhood development, offering insights into the unconscious motivations that shape social customs and traditions. Freud’s exploration of psychology and social psychology provides a foundational understanding of the interplay between individual desires and cultural norms.