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==Freudian Dictionary==
<blockquote>In the psycho-analytical theory of the mind we take it for granted that the course of mental processes is automatically regulated by "the pleasure-principle": that is to say, we believe that any given process originates in an unpleasant state of tension and thereupon determines for itself such a path that its ultimate issue coincides with a relaxation of this tension, i.e. with avoidance of "pain" or with production of pleasure.<ref>{{BPP}} Ch. 1</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>The pleasure-principle is a tendency which subserves a certain function-namely, that of rendering the psychic apparatus as a whole free from any excitation, or to keep the amount of excitation constant or as low as possible.<ref>{{BPP}} Ch. 7</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>The pleasure-pain principle is brought into action in response to the danger-signal, and plays a part in repression . . . . This principle has unrestricted sway over the processes in the id.<ref>{{NILP}} Ch. 4</ref></blockquote>
{{Freudian Dictionary}}
==below==
"[[pleasure principle]]" ([[Fr]]. ''[[principe de plaisir]]'')
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In psychoanalysis, the demand that an instinctive need (usually sexual or aggressive) be gratified, regardless of the social or practical consequences. Sigmund Freud held that the id was dominated totally by the pleasure principle, but that, with the development of the ego and superego, individuals become aware of the demands of social reality (the reality principle), and thereby learn to temper and regulate their quest for pleasure.
The "[[pleasure principle]]" and the "[[reality principle]]" are two psychoanalytical terms coined by Sigmund Freud.
Respectively, the desire for immediate gratification versus the deferral of that gratification. Quite simply, the pleasure principle drives one to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. However, as one matures, one begins to learn the need sometimes to endure pain and to defer gratification because of the exigencies and obstacles of reality: "An ego thus educated has become reasonable; it no longer lets itself be governed by the pleasure principle, but obeys the reality principle, which also at bottom seeks to obtain pleasure, but pleasure which is assured through taking account of reality, even though it is pleasure postponed and diminished" (Sigmund Freud, Introductory Lectures 16.357).
The [[pleasure principle]] governs the functioning of the [[primary process]]
==See Also==
