Escape from Freedom
Escape from Freedom
Erich Fromm
David Heinemeier Hansson
One of my all-time top ten favorite books. Applies well in both business and politics. - DHH
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Escape from Freedom

Escape from Freedom

Erich Fromm
By
Erich Fromm
4.3
14470
ratings on Goodreads

In "Escape from Freedom," Erich Fromm unravels the paradox at the heart of modern democracy: the more liberated we become, the more we seek refuge in the chains of authoritarianism. Fromm's masterful dissection of the human psyche and society illuminates how freedom, while ostensibly mankind's ultimate goal, breeds an undercurrent of anxiety and powerlessness. This seminal work, first published in 1941 amidst the rise of totalitarian regimes, remains a penetrating exploration of the individual's complex relationship with freedom, authority, and the mechanisms of power in a contemporary society. Through the lens of psychoanalysis, Fromm delves into the roots of our collective fear of independence, presenting a compelling narrative on the forces that drive mankind towards despotism. Fromm's analysis goes beyond the political, uncovering the psychological malaise that leads individuals to relinquish their autonomy in favor of a more predictable existence under authoritarian rule. "Escape from Freedom" confronts the reader with a critical choice: to bravely navigate the uncertainties of freedom, embracing its intrinsic responsibilities, or to succumb to the seductive simplicity offered by authoritarianism. In an age where the echoes of Fromm's warnings are increasingly relevant, this book challenges us to reflect on our values, our society, and the price we are willing to pay for our freedom.

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Released
1941
1 Jan
Length
301
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

One of my all-time top ten favorite books. Applies well in both business and politics. - DHH
The more the drive toward life is thwarted, the stronger is the drive toward destruction; the more life is realized, the less is the strength of destructiveness. Destructiveness is the outcome of unlived life.
— Erich Fromm, Escape from Freedom

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