Eros and Civilisation

*Eros and Civilisation*, by Herbert Marcuse, explores the tension between individual desires (Eros), which drive creativity, love, and freedom, and societal constraints that enforce order and suppression. Marcuse argues that modern society often represses genuine pleasures and instincts to maintain stability, leading to internal conflicts and unfulfilled potential. He suggests that true progress involves transforming societal structures to allow a healthier expression of Eros, fostering a more liberated, harmonious civilization that balances individual fulfillment with social order. The work combines philosophy, psychology, and social critique to advocate for a freer, more rational society.