The Pathology of Normalcy
The Pathology of Normalcy
Erich Fromm
David Heinemeier Hansson
[The author] has touched on the idea that certain types of mental illness can be looked at in part as the sane reaction to an insane world. - DHH
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The Pathology of Normalcy

The Pathology of Normalcy

Erich Fromm
By
Erich Fromm
4.0
410
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Pathology of Normalcy," Erich Fromm embarks on a profound exploration of what it means to be mentally healthy in a society that, by all appearances, glorifies conformity over genuine well-being. With a series of compelling lectures that traverse the landscapes of psychology, sociology, and economics, Fromm challenges the conventional metrics of mental health, urging us to reconsider our collective frame of reference. Through his critical analysis of Marxist Socialism, the phenomenon of alienation, and the capitalist society’s subtle encouragement of inertia, Fromm peels back the layers of what is considered 'normal' to reveal a pathology—a sickness inherent in society's very fabric that molds individuals into shadows of their true selves. This book is not just a critique but a beacon of hope, offering pathways out of the "insane society" that stifles human potential and creativity. Fromm delves into the essence of human motivation, debunking the myth of inherent laziness and highlighting the power of active engagement with our dreams, the development of children, and the pursuit of a psychologically rich life. "The Pathology of Normalcy" is an urgent call to awaken from the slumber of normativity, to embrace our inherent differences, and to cultivate a society that values mental health not as adherence to an illusory standard, but as the freedom to become the fullest expression of ourselves. It is a seminal work that continues to resonate, offering invaluable insights into the human condition and the societal structures that shape our perceptions of mental health.

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Released
1991
1 Jan
Length
168
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

[The author] has touched on the idea that certain types of mental illness can be looked at in part as the sane reaction to an insane world. - DHH
I wonder sometimes whether a person has to become insane these days in order to feel certain things. Lessing once said, “Who doesn’t become insane over certain things, has no sanity to lose,
— Erich Fromm, The Pathology of Normalcy

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