In his landmark work “Totem and Taboo,” Sigmund Freud, based on the studies of leading anthropologists, ethnologists, and psychologists of his time, using the methodology of psychoanalysis, made an attempt to trace the origins of our fears, complexes, and moral-ethical norms by comparing the customs of primitive tribes and the social and moral prohibitions of civilized society. In a later article, “The Future of an Illusion,” which complemented this collection, he continued and developed his research into the origins of various beliefs and dogmas, and also presented his view on the place and future of religion in the social and cultural context. It should be noted that “Totem and Taboo” has not only scientific value, but also artistic value: Thomas Mann was fascinated by the literary merits of this work and considered it among the best examples of German essay writing.