I am inclined to suppose that children cannot find their way to acts of sexual aggression unless they have been seduced previously. The foundation for a neurosis would accordingly always be laid in childhood by adults.

It is always possible to bind together a considerable number of people in love, so long as there are other people left over to receive the manifestations of their aggressiveness.

Human life in common is only made possible when a majority comes together which is stronger than any separate individual and which remains united against all separate individuals.

Life as we find it is too hard for us; it entails too much pain, too many disappointments, impossible tasks. We cannot do without palliative remedies.

The idea of life having a purpose stands and falls with the religious system.

It might be said of psychoanalysis that if you give it your little finger it will soon have your whole hand.

Look into the depths of your own soul and learn first to know yourself, then you will understand why

An unrestricted satisfaction of every need presents itself as the most enticing method of conducting one’s life, but it means putting enjoyment before caution, and soon brings its own punishment.

We may say that hysteria is a caricature of an artistic creation, a compulsion neurosis a caricature of a religion, and a paranoiac delusion a caricature of a philosophic system.

When a love relationship is at its height there is no room left for any interest in the environment; a pair of lovers are sufficient to themselves.