"It is impossible to overlook the extent to which civilization is built upon a renunciation of instinct"

This quote by Sigmund Freud speaks to the idea that civilization is built upon the suppression of impulse. Freud thought that instinctual drives, such as aggressiveness and sexuality, are basic to human nature, however that they need to be repressed in order for society to operate. He argued that civilization is just possible when individuals have the ability to control their instinctual desires and instead focus on more socially acceptable habits. This quote highlights the significance of self-discipline and the requirement to renounce instinct in order to develop a functioning society. Freud's quote functions as a tip that civilization is only possible when individuals are able to manage their instinctual desires and instead focus on more socially acceptable habits.