Freud Totem And Taboo

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In the last chapter of Totem and Taboo, Freud gave his explanation to the origin of religions. His theory regarding the development of civilization, begins by stating that each group is related to their own animal or plant species, which they “believe that they are descended from it. This is due to this belief that they do not hunt the totem animal or kill or eat it” (Freud, 96). Humans believe that spirits exists in totem animals, in which they are also manifestation of god. By not killing the totem animal, they can help “in case of illness and gives the tribe premonitions and warnings” (Freud, 96). This sheds light on the modern forms of religion. For instance, Hindus honor cows. They view cows as a sacred species. If not necessary, they

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