Freud reduced the whole of human life to human sexuality. He referred to man’s sexual nature and drive as the libido. He believed that the libido was the hidden motivation (whether one realized it or not) behind every decision a man made. He taught that all restrictions on sex are unnatural. In order to live freely a man must completely indulge his sexual appetite. The freedom of sexual indulgence is the goal and end of every man.
Man’s end (telos), his purpose reached through perfect completion, should not destroy man and his relation to his fellow men; rather it should bring unity and health to both the soul and society. Freud is demonstrated to be wrong in the fact that, when followed, his theory produces disorder in both the individual and society as a whole. When a man prioritizes his sexuality and pursues his gratification at all costs he at once brings disorder to his soul and society.
To begin with, consider the effects of sexual indulgence on the soul of an individual. If man is not master of his passions, he will be a slave to them. The indulgence of any passion (including sex) leads to addiction. No one enjoys their addiction. The drunk does not enjoy their drink nor the junkie his drugs. In the same way one addicted to sex becomes unable to enjoy sex. But they don’t realize that they are unable to enjoy sex, they think the problem lies in their partner and not in themselves. So they turn from partner to partner. This constant movement prevents the development of any sort of real commitment or love. They view others as vehicles for their sexual gratification and in doing so come to view themselves as nothing more than objects for the pleasure of others. This false view of human worth and value leads to depression, self hatred, and other mental illnesses.
True love is one of the greatest things man can experience. But it requires loyalty, self-sacrifice, and commitment. These virtues are not compatible with convenience and sexual freedom. In following Freud we’ve abandoned love for sex and ended up with neither. For only in love (the type of love found in a life-long marriage) can one truly enjoy sex. But we’ve abandoned marriage for freedom. In doing that we’ve lost not only the love and loyalty found in marriage but the very thing we have sought after: our freedom. For indulging one’s sexual appetite is not liberating, rather it is enslaving.
Similarly, when men indulge their sexual nature they bring disunity and destruction to society. Consider all the unwanted children and children raised in single parent homes. Think about all the jealousy and hate that exists between husbands/boyfriends and the former husbands and boyfriends of their girl and all the comparison and mistrust that exists between girlfriends/wives and the former girlfriends and wives of their guy. Think of the consequences of divorce on spouses, kids, and extended families. Think of the devaluing and loss of trust that adultery produces. So great is the pain of adultery that if a man or woman catches their spouse in the act, we don’t hold them fully culpable if they kill both parties!
In the United States we spend enough money on pornography to feed, clothe, and shelter every man, woman, and child on the face of this earth. So out of control is our desire for sex that millions across the globe are kidnapped, trafficked, and forced to work as sex slaves. Countless children are abused at the hands of demented men and women.
Our obsession with sex has broken down trust and communities. Platonic friendship is all but extinct; everyone assumes that no one is nice just to be nice, rather they think everyone acts the way they do to get what they want. Billions around the globe invest the majority of their time, thought, and resources into pursuing sex. They don’t consider others, but only how they may be satisfied. They assume others think the same as them. How can trust and friendship operate in such a world?
We’ve lost loyalty, trust, commitment, stability, and love because we’ve listened to Freud. What have we gotten in return? Are people happier? Depression levels are at all time highs. Are people more successful in relationships? The average relationship lasts under two years and the average marriage ends in divorce. Constant change demonstrates unhappiness and an inability to be content. In our selfishness we’ve become so obsessed with finding someone that is compatible with us or someone that completes us that we’ve all but given up on improving ourselves and building character in ourselves that would allow us to be a good partner. How is a relationship between two immature, selfish people supposed to produce anything of value or worth?
Sex is good and can be very enjoyable, but only within proper boundaries. Only when it is coupled with love and commitment and only when it values the other can it become a thing of unity and growth and not disunity and destruction.
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