GERMAN EMPIRE AUTHOR · PSYCHOANALYSIS.. · PSYCHOLOGY
Erich Fromm
Also known as: Fromm, Erich, Erich, Erich (1900-1980) Fromm
Freudo-Marxism is a loose designation for philosophical perspectives informed by both the Marxist philosophy of Karl Marx and the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud. Its history within continental philosophy began in the 1920s and 1930s and continuing since through critical theory, Lacanian psychoanalysis, and post-structuralism. Sigmund Freud critiqued Marxism in his 1932 New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, arguing that Marx overemphasized historical determinism and ignored contingent psychological and material factors in shaping society. Freud acknowledged Marxism’s insight into the influence of economic circumstances on human thought and culture, but he did not see history as following inevitable laws. Freudo-Marxist thought emerged in the 1920s in Germany and the Soviet Union, with theorists like Wilhelm Reich, Erich Fromm, and Valentin Voloshinov exploring connections between psychoanalysis and Marxism.
Is love an art?
— from The Art of Loving
Most acclaimed
The Art of Loving
"The Art of Loving" (1956) is a seminal work by psychoanalyst and social philosopher Erich Fromm. In this book, Fromm explores the concept of love in a profound and comprehensive manner, arguing that love is not just a passive feeling but an art that requires practice, knowledge, and effort. Through a detailed analysis, Fromm demystifies the idea that love is something that simply happens, proposing that it must be cultivated like any other skill. He divides love into different categories, including brotherly love, motherly love, erotic love, self-love, and love of God, discussing the characteristics and challenges of each. Fromm also addresses the nature of love in modern society, criticizing the commercialization and superficiality of human relationships. He suggests that the true essence of love lies in the ability to give, to commit, and to genuinely care for the well-being of others, rather than seeking personal satisfaction alone. In "The Art of Loving," Fromm combines psychological insights with philosophical and sociological analysis, offering a rich and multifaceted perspective on what it means to love. The book remains a relevant and inspiring read, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of developing the art of love in their lives.
The Sane Society
Fromm offers a complete and systematic exploration of his "humanistic psychoanalysis." In so doing, he counters the profound pessimism for our future that Freud expressed and sets forth the goals of a society in which the emphasis is on each person and on the social measures designed to further function as a responsible individual.