We are never so defenseless against suffering as when we love, never so forlornly unhappy as when we have lost our love object or its love.

The behavior of a human being in sexual matters is often a prototype for the whole of his other modes of reaction in life.

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

If there are quarrels between the parents or if their marriage is unhappy, the ground will be prepared in their children for the severest predisposition to a disturbance of sexual development or to neurotic illness.

The inclination to aggression constitutes the greatest impediment to civilization.

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.

One must learn to give up momentary, uncertain and destructive pleasure for delayed, restrained, but dependable pleasure.