(This is the last chapter of the book.)

Freud believes guilt to be the most important problem in the development of civilization, and our advance in civilization is paid for by loss of happiness through the heightened sense of guilt.

The super-ego is the agency, conscience is a function of that agency. The conscience watches over and judges intentions, which can produce guilt. The fear of the super-ego and the need for punishment is an instinctual manifestation of the ego, which has been rendered masochistic by the sadistic super-ego.

Frustration of instinctual satisfactions results in guilt, and Freud believes every neurosis conceals some measure of unconscious guilt.

There is a parallel between the processes of civilization and individual human development.  

Individuals are engaged in finding happiness. Integration into a community is an integral part of finding happiness. But there is an interaction between two urges- the egoistic urge towards happiness, and the altruistic urge towards union in community. These urges operate at the same time, even though they are at times at cross-purposes.

The community also evolves a super-ego in ideals and demands. Because some of these are ideals that we can’t really live up to, we at times are obliged to object to them. Freud says the more demanded, either revolt or neurosis will follow.

The question that remains is to what extent cultural development will succeed in tamping down individuals instinct for aggression.