The Freudian theory that civilization requires a massive repression of the instincts, and leads to neurosis, is found to be a massive overgeneralization, too vague to be meaningful. A sound theory of culture requires instead increasingly refined concepts, capable of verification.

The difference between scientific and social values in our own culture puts psycho-analysis in a difficult position. As a science it must be amoral and asocial; but as a therapy it must accept the same social limitations as does medicine. In this conflict of values it is essential that the two aspects of psycho-analysis should be conceptualized apart, and perhaps in time separated.