Quote by Sigmund Freud
I have no concern with any economic criticisms of the communist system; I cannot inquire into whether the abolition of private property is expedient or advantageous. But I am able to recognize that the psychological premisses on which the system is based are an untenable illusion. In abolishing private property we deprive the human love of aggression of one of its instruments... but we have in no way altered the differences in power and influence which are misused by aggressiveness.
Summary
This quote, attributed to Sigmund Freud, suggests that while he doesn't have interest or expertise in analyzing the economic aspects of communism, he can see how the psychological foundations of the system are flawed. By eliminating private property, communism removes an outlet for human aggression. However, it does not address the unequal distribution of power and influence that aggression can exploit. Freud implicitly argues that purely abolishing private property does not solve the inherent issue of aggression and the unhealthy ways in which it can be expressed.
Topics
Communism
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