The Religious Feeling and Civilization

He begins by exploring the concept of religious feeling, particularly the “oceanic feeling” described by one of his friends, which refers to a sense of boundless connection with the universe.

Freud admits that he does not experience this feeling and suggests that it might be a remnant of the infant's early perception of the world. Despite his lack of personal religiosity, Freud acknowledges that religion plays a significant role in shaping societal structures, offering a moral framework that guides human behavior even as traditional religious beliefs lose their grip on modern society.