Totem and Taboo

What can ancient customs reveal about the hidden workings of the human mind? In Totem and Taboo, Sigmund Freud brings psychoanalytic ideas into conversation with anthropology, religion, mythology, and the study of early human societies. Examining concepts such as totemism, prohibitions, ritual practices, and the psychological significance of taboo, Freud explores possible connections between individual psychology and collective cultural traditions. Drawing upon the anthropological literature available in his time, he develops a series of provocative theories concerning the origins of religion, morality, social restrictions, and human behavior. The work reflects the intellectual landscape of the early twentieth century and remains important for understanding the development of Freud’s broader theories. Controversial in many of its interpretations, Totem and Taboo is nevertheless a fascinating historical document in the development of psychoanalysis and the study of culture.