Totem and Taboo. The Future of an Illusion

In his seminal work, Totem and Taboo, Sigmund Freud, based on the works of leading anthropologists, ethnologists, and psychologists of his time, attempted, using psychoanalytic methodology, to trace the origins of our fears, complexes, and moral-ethical norms, comparing the customs of primitive tribes and the socio-moral prohibitions of civilized society. In a later article, The Future of an Illusion, which supplemented this collection, he continued and developed the investigation of the origins of various beliefs and dogmas, as well as presenting his view on the place and future of religion in the socio-cultural context. It should be noted that Totem and Taboo holds not only scientific but also artistic value: Thomas Mann was captivated by the literary merits of this work and regarded it as one of the best examples of German essay writing.