As a child, Raoul loved to prance around the neighborhood wearing silly outfits. As he got older, he realized that he couldn't continue this kind of behavior unless he found some way for it to be viewed as more socially acceptable. Upon realizing this, Raoul decides to pursue a career as a circus clown. According to Freud, Raoul's , which operates on the principle, is responsible for finding a socially acceptable outlet for his desire to run around wearing silly outfits.