“Opposition is not necessarily enmity; it is merely misused and made an occasion for enmity.”
- May 6, 1856 – September 23, 1939
- Austrian
- Neurologist, Founder of Psychoanalysis
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Quote
“Opposition is not necessarily enmity; it is merely misused and made an occasion for enmity.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes the distinction between opposition and enmity, suggesting that being opposed to someone’s views or actions does not inherently mean hostility or hatred. Freud points out that conflict and disagreement are natural and even necessary aspects of human interaction, but they only become harmful when they are “misused”—when people allow differences to fuel personal resentment or aggression.
Freud’s psychoanalytic framework often explored the dynamics of interpersonal conflict, not just within individuals but also within societies. In his time, particularly in the context of early 20th-century Europe, political and ideological divisions were intensifying, sometimes erupting into violence. Freud’s statement serves as a warning against letting intellectual or political differences turn into personal or emotional hatred, an idea relevant during the rise of fascism and communism, both of which demonized their opponents.
In the modern world, the quote resonates deeply in the era of polarized political discourse, social media arguments, and cultural fragmentation. Disagreement is often seen as an attack, and opposition quickly becomes personalized. Freud’s insight encourages a return to reasoned debate and emotional maturity, reminding us that healthy societies require the ability to disagree without descending into enmity. Recognizing this can foster dialogue, tolerance, and the ability to coexist with differing perspectives.
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