"La religión es una ilusión y deriva su fuerza del hecho de que coincide con nuestros deseos instintivos."

The core idea here is that religion, while not necessarily based in reality, draws its power from aligning perfectly with our deep-seated human needs and desires. It's like a comforting story we tell ourselves because it meets our psychological and emotional needs.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, said this. Freud was a major figure in the early 20th century, and he was deeply interested in understanding the human mind. He believed that many of the things we do and believe are driven by unconscious desires. In his view, religion provided a way for people to cope with the complexities and fears of life by offering something that made sense to their inner world.

Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Think of a community that’s been hit by a natural disaster—a devastating earthquake. People are scared, they’ve lost their homes, and they’re seeking solace. In such times, religious beliefs can become a crucial source of comfort and hope. They might believe that a higher power will protect them or that there’s a purpose behind their suffering. This belief doesn’t change the reality of their situation, but it can give them the strength to cope and rebuild.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by recognizing what your instinctual desires are. Do you crave security, belonging, or understanding? Once you know what drives you, you can be more mindful about the beliefs and systems you adopt. It’s not about rejecting religion outright but understanding why you’re drawn to it—or to any other comforting belief. If you seek security, for example, try to build a support system that provides it without relying solely on religious faith.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend who’s going through a tough time. They’ve just lost their job and are feeling lost. They start talking about how they’ve been praying more and leaning into their faith. You listen and then gently suggest that while it’s great that they find comfort in their beliefs, they might also want to take practical steps. Maybe update their resume, connect with contacts in their industry, or take a course to improve their skills. You’re not dismissing their faith; you’re helping them see that action and belief can go hand in hand.

In conclusion, the idea is to understand the role of our instinctual desires in shaping our beliefs, especially when it comes to religion. Recognize the comfort and strength you derive from these beliefs, but also take practical steps to meet your needs in the real world. This way, you blend the best of both worlds—psychological comfort and real-world action.