To Have or to Be?
byErich Fromm
To Have or to Be? That is the question, this classic by Fromm, is an insightful blend between, psychology, philosophy, and sociology. Fromm explains the constant internal conflict we have between the desire to "have" and the desire to "be". Fromm believes it is better to be that to have; it's the counterbalance to the hyper-materialism of our society and healing for our spirit. He takes lessons from various religions and philosophies to communicate the importance of the inner peace from being and shows how language and culture have influenced a having perspective. Being is a continuous mode of existence in which one is not prisoner to his/her possessions or desires.
Motivations to Read
My interest in philosophy and psychology developed from a young age. I'm very curious about different forms of philosophical thought and the mode of being intrigued me. Change and growth are inherent qualities of life. I want to learn how to be and to become a better version of myself; that also requires some detachment and willingness to unlearn and develop better intuition to be closer to a whole existence.
3 Reasons to Read
- Erich Fromm's thesis is on two modes of existence that are struggling for the spirit of humankind: the having mode & the being mode
- You wish to become less materialistic and more experiential
- A philosophical look at the growth of capitalism's effect on society and the spirit of the individual
