Episode 4

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Published on:

9th Oct 2023

Civilization and its Discontents by Sigmund Freud

In this fourth episode of the second season, Alex and Steven delve into Sigmund Freud's seminal work, "Civilisation and its Discontents." They navigate the realms of civilisation's promise and its inherent discontent, exploring the psychological tapestry Freud weaves to elucidate human suffering in the face of social evolution.

Topics discussed include:

  • To what extent has civilisation become both a problem and a solution to our suffering?
  • The nature of guilt and how it is related to our socialisation.
  • What, according to Freud, might be the 'right amount' of civilisation that allows for harmonious human existence as well as individual happiness?

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About the Podcast

The Reading Cure
Books that change lives.
In this bibliotherapy podcast, Dr Steven Davies and Dr Alexander Fox discuss the life-changing insights that great books have to offer. Each episode offers an in depth, mental health-focused analysis of a chosen book, and through their conversation, Alex and Steven try to get to the root of how we can best use that author's wisdom to avoid common pitfalls and live happier, more fulfilling lives.
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About your hosts

Steven Davies

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Dr Steven Davies is co-host and co-creator of The Reading Cure podcast. He is currently studying for an MSc in Counselling. Steven has a degree in Economics and a PhD in International Relations from the University of St Andrews; as well as a BA in Literature from the Open University. He has 15-years experience working in secondary education.

Alexander Fox

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Dr. Alexander Fox is co-host and co-creator of The Reading Cure Podcast. He has an MA (Hons) in philosophy, an MSc in Counselling and a PhD in English Literature (on the works of Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter) . He has a private counselling practice in Dundee, Scotland (https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/alexander-fox), and he sees clients online through a Harley St. clinic in London (http://www.westlakeclinic.co.uk/dralexfox.html). He also supervises counsellors/ therapists.