Critical Analysis Of Erich Fromm's Escape From Freedom

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When analyzing the first half of the book “Escape from Freedom” written by Erich Fromm, I gained quite a diverse perspective towards how individuals have become constructed throughout history. Fromm had summarized, humans cannot live in freedom without consequence. Furthering this, I was able to connect similarities between Fromm’s thesis and how a man such as Adolf Hitler, came into power. With such bold statements regarding the psychology of human nature, I have both positive thoughts as well as, some opposing thoughts towards his main idea.
Within the first chapter, I gained an understanding of the concepts that lie behind Fromm’s thesis. It is not possible for the individual to completely live in freedom and to simultaneously live free …show more content…

In this chapter Fromm spoke about our society during the medieval times and the period of the reformation. During the medieval times and the Renaissance, Fromm stated, humans were at their lowest peak of individualism. Others saw them not by their individual selves but by what kind of business they took part in. However, even though men were not considered free to Fromm, he believed this was their highest point of security and safety because they were able to live within the natural order. When that natural order was taken away during the time of capitalism many individuals suffered, predominantly the middle class. During this time, once again Fromm stated the individual was feeling anxious and insecure. The individuals then found the new religious doctrines that taught man they were able to overcome this anxiety if they were to give in to complete submission, which could also be known as, …show more content…

I appreciated how Fromm was able to provide the reader with various examples as to how individuals have been in a continuous struggle to gain absolute freedom. In my opinion, much of Fromm’s work appeared to be valid however; one aspect that I would have to disagree with was the idea that human’s will never be exclusively free. I believe that it is in fact possible for the individual to find freedom. If society can stop judging the differences in others, humans would be feeling most power than ever before. Consequently, if we all lived in an environment open to all differences the world would be freed of oppression and humans could be their own individuals. If one is no longer pressured to fit into the norm of society, they will be able to find freedom within them selves without anxiety or

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