You need these five things for a happy life

Can Sigmund Freud’s theories really help us live a happier life? We took a closer look at his best quotes – and this was the result!

Top 5 quotes from Sigmund Freud

Most of us have met the famous physician and psychologist Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) in philosophy classes, in college, or in popular culture. His theories and methods were as unconventional as they were revolutionary for the time. He is the founder of psychoanalysis, laid the foundation for depth psychology, and realized early on that people not only act consciously, but are also controlled unconsciously. This means the level of conscious thought and thinking on the one hand, and the level of instinct and intuition on the other hand. According to his proposals, these elements are in constant conflict with each other, which is what ultimately makes humans so complex. In his research he examined many patients and also devoted himself to their dreams, which he considered fundamental to the study of the human psyche.

In his work “The Interpretation of Dreams” he describes in detail how it all works and what past experiences can lead to what exactly. Although Sigmund Freud’s works are exciting and lucrative today, he remains controversial as a person. Many scholars consider his theories outdated and controversial. For example, also assume that masculinity is the norm and femininity is a special case. The Oedipus complex remains widely debated to this day. However, the psychiatrist is still cited several times. After all, one can assume that he knows, at least partially, what he is talking about. It cannot be denied that his business has been profitable in many ways. We have selected for you his best quotes that can enrich our lives in one way or another.

In the clip: 5 tips on how to become happier instantly

“It’s so nice to be healthy when you don’t have to be alone.”

• Ernst and Lucy Freud (eds.): Sigmund Freud, Letters 1873-1939. Frankfurt/Main: 1968, p. 146, April 29. 1885, to Martha Bernays

Health is the most important thing we have in life – we have all heard this phrase or even passed it on ourselves. For example, what good is wealth if we are not healthy enough to enjoy it? The same applies to interaction: people are social creatures. Even for people who need a lot of time for themselves, personal relationships and communication with others are essential to a happy life. Even if you’re healthy, social isolation and loneliness can make you unhappy and sick in the long run. This is particularly common among older people, but young people can also suffer from depression, for example, if they feel chronically lonely. So make sure you have at least a few good friends around you and maintain good contact with your family if possible. Treat others the way you want to be treated. This guarantees satisfaction!

“People are the most valuable thing you can win.”

• Sigmund Freud and C. G. Jung: Correspondence. Edited by William McGuire and Wolfgang Sauerlander. Frankfurt/Main, 1984, p. 154, June 19. 1910

This quote has a very similar meaning. Personal relationships are the most valuable thing we have. We live and laugh together, just as we can be angry together or cry together. It is no coincidence that the quote continues: “Suffering shared is suffering halved.” When we choose to let others into our lives, we also choose countless happy moments. We can share the beautiful things in life with our loved ones or rely on their support when things are not going well and life’s challenges seem endless.

“With the necessary impudence and unscrupulousness, it is not difficult to acquire great wealth (…)”

• The Joke and its Relation to the Unconscious (1905), Frankfurt/Main 2009, p. 58

This quote from Freud can be considered controversial. Sometimes the injustices in the world seem great to us and we often wonder why boldness triumphs, for example in business. However, you should use this quote for yourself in other ways and of course without hurting others with your actions. It’s more about being brave and fighting for your goals and desires. Nothing is impossible, you just have to take it into your own hands.

“It is well known that one can take large amounts of praise.”

• Ernst and Lucy Freud (eds.): Sigmund Freud, Letters 1873-1939. Frankfurt/Main: 1968, p. 446, October 8. 1936, to Ludwig Binswanger

We all love to receive affirmation, which takes the form of praise, among other things. It has been scientifically proven that praise strengthens motivation, performance and self-confidence. It also affects our physical and mental health. If there is a lack of praise or appreciation, your motivation and loyalty will decrease. This applies in the context of work and in private life. Tell others when they do something good or when you’re proud of them, and regularly give sincere and appreciative compliments to your partner, friends, or even family. This has a positive impact on your relationship with each other.

Reality – fulfillment of wishes. Our psychological life stems from these opposites.

• Jeffrey Musaev Mason (ed.): Letters of Sigmund Freud to Wilhelm Fliess. German edition: Frankfurt/Main, 1986, p. 377, February 19, 1899

Wishing for something is a mental process that has a huge impact on our happiness. Desires and longings are a natural driver of our lives and ensure that we give our lives meaning and develop further. There are ideal and material desires. It is the idea of ​​what makes our lives perfect and guides us to a happy future. Even if some wishes will never come true, it is important to make them come true. We escape from everyday life for a brief moment and can use it to determine our personal happiness. We learn to put things behind us and focus on the many great things yet to come.