Erich Fromm was a German-US psychoanalyst, philosopher and social psychologist. He advocated a humanistic, democratic socialism as early as the late 1920s. His contributions to psychoanalysis, the psychology of religion, and social criticism established him as an influential thinker of the 20th century.
For Fromm, the central characteristic of human life is the relationship of human beings to nature. Man, like the animal, is part of nature. Unlike the animal, however, he is aware of his own existence and transcends nature. Therefore, man is part of nature, but at the same time stands for himself.
Erich Fromm (1900–1980) was a German-American psychoanalyst, psychologist, and social philosopher. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he developed an early interest in psychology and philosophy. Fromm's intellectual journey led him to study psychoanalysis and sociology, becoming associated with the Frankfurt School of critical theory.
He moved to the United States to escape the rise of Nazism and eventually settled in New York City. Fromm's work combined elements of psychoanalysis, Marxism, and humanistic psychology. He was critical of consumer culture and believed that individuals often faced a sense of alienation in modern society.
Fromm's exploration of the human psyche focused on themes such as love, freedom, and the search for meaning. He introduced the concept of "biophilia," the innate human tendency to seek connections and relationships, as well as the notion of "necrophilia," which referred to an unhealthy attachment to destruction and death.
His notable works, including "Escape from Freedom" and "The Art of Loving," explored the psychological and social dynamics that influence human behavior. Fromm's writings emphasized the importance of self-awareness, self-realization, and a deep understanding of one's own motivations.
Fromm's legacy extends to his contributions to psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, and social critique. His ideas on the human condition, freedom, and the impact of societal forces on individuals remain relevant in discussions about psychology, sociology, and philosophy.
Erich Fromm speaks with wisdom, compassion, learning and insight into the problems of individuals trapped in a social world that is needlessly cruel and hostile. Nothing less than a manifesto for a new social and psychological revolution to save our threatened planet, the discussed book 'To Have or To Be?' is a summary of the penetrating thought of Erich Fromm.
Zen Buddhism and Psychoanalysis, Erich Fromm, D. T. Suzuki, and De Martino. Approximately one third of this book is a long discussion by Suzuki that gives a Buddhist analysis of the mind, its levels, and the methodology of extending awareness beyond the merely discursive level of thought. In producing this analysis, Suzuki gives a theoretical explanation for many of the swordsmanship teaching stories in Zen and Japanese Culture that otherwise would seem to involve mental telepathy, extrasensory perception, etc.
