The Century of the Self (2002)

Writer & Producer: Adam Curtis

This British Television documentary focuses on how the work of Sigmund Freud, Anna Freud and Edward Bernays influenced the way corporations and governments have analyzed, dealt with and controlled people.

It is essentially a retelling of 20th century Anglo American history (Majorly American) by focusing on how Freud's ideas and psychoanalysis shaped it. Edward Bernays, nephew of Sigmund Freud, used Freud's ideas that humans are essentially irrational beings, to help corporate sell to them product they don't need by stoking their desire. He is also considered as the father of Public Relations, which essentially is a tool for propaganda. The bubble that led to depression and the rise of Nazis in Germany are put into context. Then there is the post war era of mass produced goods after which in the 70's, backlash against Freud's ideas caused the rise of individualism. This was again exploited by the businesses by putting into use Maslow's idea of Hierarchy of Needs and Self Actualization. This was also used in politics by Reagan and Thatcher to rise into power. The last episode in this four part series focus on how Democrat and Labour parties embraced the idea to come back to power and thereby undermining their own ideologies.

It is a great documentary and a must watch. The entire thing is available on Youtube and is posted above.

Rating: 4.5/5