Freud's Theory on Happiness

Freud argues that the primal instinct of human beings is to be nasty and aggressive towards one another. He also argues that in order to be civilized, our two strongest instincts which is sex and violence, must be sublimated. We are all apart of a society, and Freud argues that with being apart, we must suppress these two primal instincts. "If civilization requires such sacrifices, not only of sexuality but also of the aggressive tendencies in mankind, we can better understand why it should be so hard for men to feel happy in it. In actual fact primitive man was better off in this respect, for he knew nothing of any restrictions on his instincts." (Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its discontents). Freud argues that humans are not capable of real happiness, and that it us much easier for them to be unhappy. Freud proposes that what we interpret as happiness, is really only a feeling of mild contentment. "One feels inclined to say that the intention that man should be 'happy' is not included in the plan of 'Creation'. What we call happiness in the strictest sense comes from the satisfaction of needs which have been dammed up to a high degree, and it is from its nature only possible as an episodic phenomenon. When any situation that is desired by the pleasure is prolonged, it only produces a feeling of mild contentment." (Sigmund Freud, Civilization and Its Discontent). 

I would argue Freud's first initial proposal of the fact that the human's primal instinct is horrible and aggressive towards one another - and that the result is that happiness can not be obtained in humankind. I can only present personal experience and observation as my source of information against his argument. I saw happiness when I witnessed the proposal of marriage between my sister and brother - in - law, and I felt happiness when I saw their expressions and love in their eyes. Is this aggressive and disgusting behaviour? Would my initial reaction not be jealousy and hatred towards them if what Freud's arguments provided to be correct? To this day, I can still look back and feel a warm sensation of true HAPPINESS, even though it was quite a few years ago now. This is NOT mild contentment, it is years of joy.Freud argues that in society and civilization we are forced to suppress our sexual desires and instincts. I completely disagree. Media and the world that you and I live in today, has absolutely no problem with sexual exploitation, and is nearly limitless when it comes to it. Civilization does not suppress these instincts, but rather support and instigate these sensations in modern day. Freud states that society disapproves of homosexuality, sex outside of marriage and perversions. That statement is completely irrelevant to today's society. Clearly Freud NEVER experienced Vancouver's pride parade! It is quite acceptable to be homosexual in our society, and not only is it acceptable, it is something we show PRIDE about and flaunt it about, as we should! Is this an act of suppression of instinct? 

Freud was severely pessimistic, which I believe distorted his views on the population as a whole. His theories do not correlate with today's modern society, nor do they with my own personal experiences. He proposes that humankind is not capable of happiness within civilization due to the fact of sublimating their primal instincts. Maybe happiness is our own individual interpretation of whatever we take it as. Are you willing to settle with the fact that he is telling you that you never have, or ever will be, happy?