Meaning: The quote by Sigmund Freud, the renowned psychologist, addresses the concept of civilization and its relationship with human instincts. Freud, who is known for his significant contributions to the field of psychology, particularly in the areas of psychoanalysis and the understanding of human behavior, offers an insightful perspective on the development of civilization and its impact on human instincts.

Freud's assertion that civilization has been created under the pressure of the exigencies of life at the cost of satisfaction of the instincts reflects his belief that the development and maintenance of civilized societies require individuals to suppress or sublimate their innate instincts in order to conform to societal norms and expectations. This notion is central to Freud's theory of the human psyche, which posits that individuals are driven by unconscious desires and instincts that may conflict with the demands of society.

In Freud's view, the demands of civilized life, such as adhering to social norms, laws, and moral codes, often necessitate the inhibition or redirection of instinctual drives. This process, according to Freud, involves the internalization of societal rules and the formation of the superego, which acts as a regulatory mechanism to control and restrain the instinctual impulses of the id, the unconscious source of primal desires.

Freud's concept of the "exigencies of life" refers to the practical and functional requirements of living in a society, which may include the need to cooperate with others, adhere to rules and regulations, and restrain impulses that could disrupt social order. In this sense, the development of civilization is seen as a response to the challenges and demands of human existence, requiring individuals to adapt their behavior and suppress certain instinctual urges for the greater good of society.

The notion that civilization comes at the "cost of satisfaction of the instincts" highlights Freud's belief that the process of civilization involves a trade-off between individual desires and societal constraints. While the formation of civilized communities brings benefits such as security, cooperation, and cultural development, it also imposes restrictions on individual freedom and the uninhibited expression of instinctual drives.

Freud's perspective on the relationship between civilization and instincts has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. Critics of his views have questioned the extent to which human instincts are necessarily in conflict with the demands of civilization, arguing that the two can coexist and even complement each other. Additionally, some scholars have raised concerns about the potential deterministic implications of Freud's ideas, suggesting that his emphasis on the primacy of instinctual drives may overlook the role of conscious agency and cultural influences in shaping human behavior.

Despite these debates, Freud's exploration of the interplay between civilization and instincts remains a thought-provoking and influential aspect of his legacy. His work has contributed to our understanding of the complexities of human nature and the ways in which individuals navigate the tensions between their innate drives and the requirements of social living.

In conclusion, Sigmund Freud's quote offers a compelling perspective on the relationship between civilization and instincts, highlighting the sacrifices and compromises that individuals make in the process of living within a structured society. His insights continue to stimulate discussions about the nature of human behavior, the dynamics of societal organization, and the enduring tensions between individual desires and communal expectations.