Erich Fromm

Human history begins with man’s act of disobedience which is at the very same time the beginning of his freedom and development of his reason.

Erich Fromm

I am a socialist. However, I have to add that what I understand by socialism is exactly the opposite of what many people, or most people, today mean by socialism.

Erich Fromm

I am convinced that boredom is one of the greatest tortures. If I were to imagine Hell, it would be the place where you were continually bored.

Erich Fromm

I believe that if an individual is not on the path to transcending his society and seeing in what way it furthers or impedes the development of human potential, he cannot enter into intimate contact with his humanity.

Erich Fromm

I believe that man is the product of natural evolution that is born from the conflict of being a prisoner and separated from nature, and from the need to find unity and harmony with it.

Erich Fromm

I believe that none can “save” his fellow man by making a choice for him. To help him, he can indicate the possible alternatives, with sincerity and love, without being sentimental and without illusion.

Erich Fromm

I see socialism in the direction, of management, of enterprise, by all who work in the enterprise.

Erich Fromm

I think if you ask people what their concept of heaven is, they would say, if they are honest, that it is a big department store, with new things every week – all the money to buy them, and maybe a little more than the neighbours.

Erich Fromm

I would say our social relationships are relatively shallow. We are actually afraid to be intimate, with people – many people even with their wives and husbands.

Erich Fromm

If I am what I have and if what I have is lost, who then am I? Nobody but a defeated, deflated, pathetic testimony to a wrong way of living.

Erich Fromm