Libido

In psychology, libido (/lɪˈbiːdoʊ/; from Latin libīdō) is a desiring energy, usually conceived of as sexual in nature, but sometimes also encompasses other forms of needs.^[2] The term was originally developed by Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis. Initially referred only to specific sexual needs, he expanded the concept later to an universal desire thats great reservoir is the Id.^[3][4] As driving energy behind all life processes, libido became the source of the social engagement (maternal love instinct, f. e.), sexual behaviour, pursuit for nutrition, skin pleasure, knowledge and victory in all areas of self- and species preservation.^[5][6]

Equated the libido with the Eros of Platonic philosophy,^[7] Freud further differentiated two inherent operators: the life drive and the death drive.^[8] Both aspects are working complementary to each other: While the death drive, also called Destrudo or Thanatos, embodies the principle of 'analytical' decomposition of complex phenomenon, the effect of life drive (Greek Bios) is to reassemble or synthesise the parts of the decomposition in a way that serves the organisms regeneration and reproduction. Freud's most abstract description of libido represents an energetic potential that begins like a bow to tense up unpleasantly (noticeable 'hunger') in order to pleasantly relax again (noticeable satisfaction); its nature is both physical and psychological.^[9] Starting from the id in the fertilised egg, libido initiates also the emergence of two further instances: the ego (function of conscious perception), and the superego, which specialises in retrievable storage of experiences (long-term memory). Together with the libido as their surce, this three instance represent the common core of all branches of psychoanalysis.

From a neurobiological point of view, the inner perception and regulation of the various innate needs are mediated through the nucleus accumbens by neurotransmitters and hormones; in relation to sexuality, these are mainly testosterone, oestrogen and dopamine.^[10] Each of the needs can be influenced by the others (e.g. baby feeding is inextricably connected with sociality); but above all, their fulfilment requires the libidinal satisfaction of curiosity. Without this 'research instinct' of mind, the control of bodily motoric would be impossible, the arrow from the bow called life ^[11] wouldn't do its work (death). Just as happiness is anchored in the fulfilment of all innate needs, disturbances through social stress resulting from lifestyle, traumatisation in early childhood or during war, mental and bodily illness lead to suffering that is inwardly noticeable and conscious to the ego. Through the capacity of empathy, linguistic and facial expressions of emotion ultimately also affect the human environment.