Asst. Prof. Maali Abdulhussein Mehdi

Department of English

WHY WAR? Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein discussed the fundamental reasons behind wars.

         Sigmund Freud and Albert Einstein, two of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century, exchange an intriguing and thought-provoking correspondence in Why War? They hopefully tried to unravel the complex web of political factors, cultural norms, and human nature that drive society toward conflicts. With the aid of Freud’s deep psychological knowledge and Einstein’s scientific reasoning, this letter challenges readers to think about the powerful forces affecting our globe and to devise solutions for enduring peace. It is not only a historical account but also a timeless examination of the human condition.

 Einstein initiated this conversation in 1931, examining the age-old subject of why human societies frequently resort to conflict. To understand the origins of this conversation, we must consider the historical and political setting in which their correspondence began. The Great Depression, the aftermath of World War I, and the emergence of the political doctrines that would spark World War II were the main causes of the turbulent early 1930s.

Renowned physicist and pacifist Albert Einstein was greatly disturbed by the widespread militarization and ongoing fear of conflict. Recognizing his own limitation  in addressing the psychological and sociological facets of war, Albert Einstein turned to Sigmund Freud, the originator of psychoanalysis, for guidance.  Einstein believed that Freud’s deep understanding of human nature and the unconscious mind might shed light on the underlying causes of wars. 

Freud’s answer provides a comprehensive examination of human aggression and its fundamental causes. He presents the idea of the death drive, or Thanatos, which supposes that people have an innate need for chaos and destruction in addition to the Eros, or impulse for pleasure and self-preservation. According to Freud’s perspective, this death drive often manifests as aggression towards oneself and others, significantly increasing the likelihood of conflicts.

Freud’s examination of these concepts highlights the psychological and biological origins of human conflict, demonstrating that our impulses extend beyond mere survival and growth.  Rather, they embody a duality in which the need to create and preserve coexists with the want to destroy and the urge to obliterate.

  According to Freud, this dual nature results in an internal conflict, which could potentially escalate into conflict and war in the social and political spheres. He discusses how early experiences, unconscious impulses, and suppressed ideas can shape a person’s inclination towards violence. Deeply troubled by the recurring evil of war, Einstein proposed the idea of establishing an international organization that would serve as a powerful tool to maintain world peace. He thought that the establishment of a body with both armed troops and judicial authority could serve as a deterrent to countries starting wars. According to Einstein, the main causes of conflict might be significantly reduced by appropriate legislation and government supported by political will. Unfortunately, Freud believes that the death desire (Thanatos) and innate human aggression are strong forces that are difficult to control by laws or other authorities. He emphasizes that the very leaders and countries expected to support and participate in this international entity may be the origins of conflict and hostility.  Freud introduces the concept of sublimation, defining it as the process of transforming primal and potentially harmful impulses into socially acceptable and useful behaviors. Einstein places a strong emphasis on how social systems may either help or inhibit sublimation. He believes that creating conditions and frameworks that encourage sublimation could significantly reduce the likelihood of war. Both Freud and Einstein recognized the importance of education and culture in promoting social harmony.  

Einstein’s 1932 letter to Freud.  Published online by UNESCO.

-Freud’s response to Einstein. Published online by UNESCO.