Freud draws an extended analogy between the libidinal development of the individual and the evolution of civilization, identifying three parallel stages in which each occurs: 1) character-formation (acquisition of a distinct identity); 2) sublimation (channeling of primal energy into other physical or psychological activities); 3) non-satisfaction/renunciation of instincts (burying of aggressive impulses in the individual; imposition of the rule of law in society). Freud (1961) also identifies a key difference between the two processes: the program of the pleasure principle, which consists in finding and achieving happiness, is retained as the central aim of individual development; whereas in the context of civilization, personal happiness is often ignored in the interests of social unity and cohesion.
The vast majority of men regulate their behavior according to the principles of religious doctrine, submitting their will and fate to the judgment of a God, whom Freud (1961) considers to be little more than an inflated father figure. Religion is based on the "future of an illusion" (the title of his previous essay) because it answers the central question of our purpose on earth by gesturing toward an afterlife. In the dictating a simple and clear path to happiness, religion spares the masses of their individual neuroses, but Freud (1961) sees few other benefits: if the believer were to realize the extent to which religion limits the possibilities of his happiness, his only option would become to find pleasure in "unconditional submission" to his faith. In Freud's view, there are less arduous and circuitous paths to happiness.
Nietzsche (1990) portrays human beings as primarily creatures’ instinct and desire. Our instincts embody the `will to life'; they make up our essential nature, our true self. Thus, on the Nietzschean view (or at least a common interpretation of it) , living authentically consists in following one's......
