Group Psychology and The Analysis of The Ego

Sigmund Freud’ book, Group Psychology and a the Analysis of The Ego, is surely a pioneering work back in his era in the field of Psychology. He expanded his famous theory on libido into group setting and dared to questions the cause of the formation of groups. His study not only examined the common traits of groups psychology via the theory of the relationships among ego, ego ideal, and object but also considered the disparity by comparing different forms of groups (the military and the church). Moreover, his work showed how human behave differently (more extremely) in groups and tried to explore the reason for such phenomena. Nowadays, psychology is closed tied or transitioning to the study of the brain: neuroscience. However, the Freud’s work on psycho-analysis was pioneering, is insightful, and will always influence the new comers by opening door to more psychologists and neuroscientists. Personally, I am not fully convinced by Freud’s theory of libido (sexual love) as the major cause if not the solo cause of psychoanalysis and group psychology. As libido does not explain most of the relationship kinds other than romantic relationships. Ego can explain some of the other ones, but there are still more to be learned. Moreover, I proposed a reason as to why human form groups; it is due to efficiency of operation to survive and the tendency of being lazy. From The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith has shown that human performance distinct tasks accompany with those done by others via trade and exchange resulting in a flourishing economy as well as improvement of productivity and general welfare. Human also join in groups to prevent dangers from intruders or other species as explained in Darwin’s book.

Freud's theory about the mind is interesting. He explains that when the ego plays with objects, it creates ideas about them. I think he is correct in saying that the group effects the personality of the individual.

You will be enlightened!!!