In psychoanalytic theory, the basic psychic energy or life force that drives all human behavior, particularly sexual and aggressive impulses. Freud viewed libido as the fundamental motivating force behind psychological development and functioning.
From Latin 'libido' meaning 'desire' or 'lust,' derived from 'libere' meaning 'to please.' Freud adopted this classical term around 1905, expanding its meaning from simple sexual desire to encompass all psychic energy and life instincts.
Libido is like psychological gasoline that powers your entire mental engine - Freud thought this energy could be redirected into everything from art to ambition, which is why he saw sexual repression as potentially fueling creativity and civilization!
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