In so doing, the idea forces itself upon him that religion is comparable to a childhood neurosis, and he is optimistic enough to suppose that mankind will surmount this neurotic phase, just as so many children grow out of their similar neurosis.

If children could, if adults knew.

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

A string of reproaches against other people leads one to suspect the existence of a string of self-reproaches with the same content.

Religion [is] the universal obsessional neurosis of humanity

Our knowledge of the historical worth of certain religious doctrines increases our respect for them, but does not invalidate our proposal that they should cease to be put forward as the reasons for the precepts of civilization. On the contrary! Those historical residues have helped us to view religious teachings, as it were, as neurotic relics, and we may now argue that the time has probably come, as it does in an analytic treatment, for replacing the effects of repression by the results of the rational operation of the intellect.

Flowers are restful to look at. They have neither emotions nor conflicts.