Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.
The words of Sigmund Freud, “Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness,” shine with the clarity of a truth that unites both the heart and the hand. He speaks of the two great pillars upon which life is built: the bond that ties us to one another, and the labor through which we shape the world. Without love, the soul withers in isolation; without work, it drifts in emptiness. Together, they form the foundation of what it means to be human.
Love is the fire of connection, the force that binds parent to child, friend to friend, lover to lover. It is the source of compassion, of sacrifice, of joy that transcends the self. Freud names it as cornerstone, for no man or woman can dwell alone and remain whole; to love is to find one’s reflection in another, and through that reflection, to discover the depths of one’s own soul.
Work is the labor of hands and mind, the struggle by which man wrests order from chaos and leaves his mark upon the earth. It is not mere toil, but the shaping of destiny, the creation of meaning, the steady discipline that gives life purpose. Freud exalts it as equal to love, for without work, even love loses its grounding, and the human spirit drifts without anchor.
Thus, Freud’s teaching to future generations is this: that to be fully human is to live in the harmony of both love and work. One without the other leaves life incomplete, like a temple built on a single stone. But when both stand firm, a soul may rise in strength, rooted in devotion and crowned in purpose. Let it be remembered always — these are the cornerstones, and upon them rests the house of our humanness.
TDtran tat dung
Freud’s idea that love and work are the fundamental aspects of our humanity is thought-provoking. It makes me wonder—do we often neglect one of these areas in favor of the other? With society’s emphasis on career success and personal achievement, is it easy to lose track of love and human connection? How do we prioritize love and relationships in a world that seems to prioritize productivity and career advancement?
DTDanh Truong
Sigmund Freud’s view that love and work form the essence of human life brings up an interesting question—how do we define our worth? It seems like so much of our time is spent working or forming relationships, yet how do we ensure that these pursuits don’t consume us? Are there ways to enrich our lives without falling into the trap of overworking or focusing solely on romantic relationships?
DXnguyen dinh xuan
Freud’s quote about love and work being central to our humanity really makes me reflect on the ways we define ourselves. Our relationships and the work we do seem to be the pillars of our identity. But can one truly thrive if they lack either of these elements? Is it possible to find fulfillment if we’re not able to love or pursue work that gives us meaning? What happens when one of these pillars is missing?
DKHo Duy Kien
Freud’s assertion that love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness strikes me as both profound and true. In many ways, our ability to love and form relationships shapes who we are, while our work gives us purpose and direction. But is it possible that in today’s fast-paced, work-obsessed world, we sometimes lose sight of the importance of love? How do we maintain a healthy balance between these two cornerstones in our modern lives?