"The first human who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization"
- Sigmund Freud
About this Quote
Sigmund Freud's quote suggests that the advancement of civilization was not based upon physical strength or violence, however rather on making use of language. He suggests that the very first individual to use language to express their sensations and opinions, instead of turning to physical violence, was the founder of civilization. This suggests that the capability to communicate and reveal oneself through language is a key consider the development of civilization. It also suggests that the use of language to deal with conflicts is a more reliable and civilized method of handling disagreements than physical violence. Freud's quote highlights the significance of interaction and language in the development of civilization, and recommends that making use of language is a more effective method of solving conflicts than physical violence.
"While civilization has been improving our houses, it has not equally improved the men who are to inhabit them. It has created palaces, but it was not so easy to create noblemen and kings"