In the depths of my heart I can't help being convinced that my dear fellow men, with a few exceptions, are worthless

In the depths of my heart I can't help being convinced that my dear fellow men, with a few exceptions, are worthless

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was known for his controversial and often pessimistic views on human nature. His quote, “In the depths of my heart I can't help being convinced that my dear fellow men, with a few exceptions, are worthless,” reflects his belief that human beings are inherently flawed and driven by unconscious desires and impulses.

Freud’s theory of the unconscious mind suggests that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by hidden motives and desires that we are not aware of. He believed that these unconscious drives, such as aggression and sexuality, play a significant role in shaping our personalities and behaviors. This theory may have contributed to Freud’s belief that most people are “worthless” in the sense that they are not fully in control of their actions and are driven by unconscious forces beyond their awareness.

Freud also believed that human beings are inherently selfish and driven by their own desires and needs. He argued that our actions are often motivated by a desire for pleasure and a fear of pain, and that we are willing to sacrifice the well-being of others in order to satisfy our own needs. This view may have led Freud to conclude that most people are “worthless” because they are primarily concerned with their own interests and are not capable of true empathy or compassion for others.

However, it is important to note that Freud’s views on human nature were shaped by his own experiences and observations, and may not be applicable to all individuals. While he may have believed that most people are “worthless,” there are certainly exceptions to this rule. Freud himself acknowledged that there are individuals who are capable of selflessness, empathy, and compassion, and who are able to rise above their unconscious desires and impulses.