"Only the liberation of the natural capacity for love in human beings can master their sadistic destructiveness"
- Wilhelm Reich
About this Quote
In this quote, Wilhelm Reich is stressing the value of love in getting rid of damaging tendencies in human beings. He thinks that the root of sadistic behavior depends on the suppression of our natural capability for love. According to Reich, when individuals are unable to express and receive love, they turn to devastating behaviors as a way of coping. Therefore, the key to managing and eventually getting rid of sadistic propensities is to liberate and nurture our inherent capability to like. This needs a deep understanding and approval of our own emotions and the feelings of others. Only then can we really master our damaging impulses and produce a more thoughtful and unified society.
"Computers are magnificent tools for the realization of our dreams, but no machine can replace the human spark of spirit, compassion, love, and understanding"