Freud’s Legacy: Examining Human Aggressiveness and the Roots of War

Baybay City | September 24, 2025

By: WPS News Staff

In a world still grappling with the scars of past conflicts, the insights of renowned psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud continue to resonate profoundly within contemporary discussions on human nature, aggressiveness, and the psychological underpinnings of war. As we commemorate notable milestones in the field of psychology, it is vital to reflect on Freud’s theories, which boldly asserted that aggressive instinctual drives lay at the very core of human behavior, significantly influencing societal interactions and constructs.

Freud’s exploration of human instincts is elegantly articulated in his seminal works, where he posits that human beings harbor dual instincts: Eros, the life instinct that drives us towards creation and connection, and Thanatos, the death instinct that manifests as aggression and destruction. This dichotomy paints a picture of a psyche constantly at war with itself—a struggle that Freud believed shapes individual behavior as well as broader societal dynamics. In the modern context, this perspective raises critical questions about the origins of conflict.

In detailing Freud’s views, Dr. Rebecca Simmons, a contemporary psychoanalyst at the University of Vienna, describes how Freud believed that unconscious drives could explode into overt aggression, particularly under stress or societal pressures. “Freud’s theories suggest that human aggressiveness is an integral part of our instinctual makeup,” Dr. Simmons explained. “When these instincts are repressed or mismanaged, they can lead to destructive outcomes, such as war.”

The psychoanalyst proposed that the failure to channel aggression constructively could result in societal upheaval. Freud’s insights became particularly pertinent during the tumultuous decades leading up to World War II. Observers noted that the aggression among nations often mirrored the aggressive impulses observed within individuals. This notion raises fascinating discussions about the psychological foundation of international relations. As geopolitical players jockey for power and influence, Freud’s assertion that unresolved aggressiveness may culminate in collective conflict is as relevant today as ever.

The psychological undercurrents of the world’s conflicts also prompt us to consider how Freud’s perspective can guide modern peace-building efforts. Recognizing the instinctual drives at play allows for a deeper understanding of why societies engage in warfare and how these cycles can be disrupted. By fostering environments that promote healthy expressions of conflict and aggression, rather than suppression, the hope for lasting peace becomes more attainable.

In schools and communities, educational programs designed to address and constructively channel aggressiveness have emerged as a vital endeavor in the quest for conflict resolution. Psychologists advocate methods that help individuals process these instinctual drives, allowing for healthier relations and societal structures. These approaches—which echo Freud’s emphasis on understanding the unconscious—aim to prevent aggression from manifesting destructively, thus diminishing the likelihood of war.

Freud’s influence extends beyond psychology and psychoanalysis, penetrating various fields including philosophy, sociology, and political science. The ongoing discourse on human nature and aggression invites scholars and practitioners to examine not just the psychological aspects but also the cultural and social facets that contribute to human conflict.

As we confront a world rife with tensions and disparities, remembering Freud’s insights urges a re-examination of our understanding of aggressiveness. Recognizing that these inherent instincts can motivate both creation and destruction offers a pathway toward addressing the underlying causes of conflict.

In his expansive body of work, Freud left a legacy that transcends time—a legacy that invites continued exploration and understanding of human nature. While we stand at the threshold of a new era, society must reflect on Freud’s theories and their implications for harmony and conflict.