The motive forces of phantasies are unsatisfied wishes, and every single phantasy is the fulfillment of a wish, a correction of unsatisfying reality.

Adolescent stage in the development of the human race from which humanity should free itself.

In the depths of my heart I can’t help being convinced that my dear fellow-men, with a few exceptions, are worthless.

A piece of creative writing, like a day-dream, is a continuation of, and a substitute for, what was once the play of childhood.

The defense against childish helplessness is what lends its characteristic features to the adult's reaction to the helplessness which he has to acknowledge - a reaction which is precisely the formation of religion.

Every normal person, in fact, is only normal on the average. His ego approximates to that of the psychotic in some part or other and to a greater or lesser extent.

A civilization which leaves so large a number of its participants unsatisfied and drives them into revolt neither has nor deserves the prospect of a lasting existence.