On Being Human

1. Humanism as the core of Fromm's philosophy

"Nothing human is alien to me."

Fromm's humanistic vision. Erich Fromm's philosophy centers on the belief in human potential and the unity of all people. He argues that by developing our humanity, we can find harmony with ourselves, others, and nature. This humanistic approach transcends religious and cultural boundaries, focusing on universal human experiences and values.

Key elements of Fromm's humanism:

• Emphasis on reason, love, and productive activity
• Belief in human capacity for growth and self-realization
• Critique of authoritarianism and conformity
• Promotion of individual freedom and social responsibility

Fromm's humanism is not just a theoretical concept but a practical guide for living. He encourages people to cultivate their humanity through self-awareness, compassion, and engagement with the world.

2. The struggle between having and being modes of existence

"The less you are, the less you express your life, the more you have, the greater is your alienated life."

Having vs. Being. Fromm identifies two fundamental modes of existence: having and being. The having mode is characterized by possession, consumption, and attachment to material things and ego. The being mode, in contrast, focuses on authentic experiences, growth, and meaningful relationships.

Characteristics of the having mode:

• Emphasis on ownership and accumulation
• Passive consumption of goods and experiences
• Defining oneself through possessions

Characteristics of the being mode:

• Active engagement with life and others
• Focus on personal growth and self-expression
• Valuing experiences over possessions

Fromm argues that modern society predominantly operates in the having mode, leading to alienation and spiritual poverty. He advocates for a shift towards the being mode as a path to greater fulfillment and social harmony.

3. Alienation as the disease of modern man

"Modern man is alienated from himself, from his fellow men, and from nature."

The roots of alienation. Fromm diagnoses alienation as the central problem of modern society. This alienation stems from the disconnect between human nature and the demands of industrial capitalism. People become estranged from their work, their communities, and ultimately themselves.

Manifestations of alienation:

• Lack of meaningful work and creativity
• Consumerism as a substitute for genuine human connection
• Feelings of powerlessness and insignificance
• Loss of connection with nature and spiritual values

Fromm argues that overcoming alienation requires a fundamental restructuring of society and a reorientation of individual values towards human needs rather than economic imperatives.

4. The need for a humanistic alternative in society

"We need reconciliation between our nation and the rest of the world, with those nations which are equal to us in power but also those which are inferior to us in terms of technology and numbers but not in terms of human values and cultural accomplishments."

Envisioning a new society. Fromm advocates for a humanistic alternative to both consumer capitalism and authoritarian socialism. This alternative would prioritize human needs, foster creativity and meaningful work, and promote genuine democracy and social responsibility.

Key elements of Fromm's humanistic society:

• Decentralization of economic and political power
• Emphasis on human-scale technology and production
• Promotion of participatory democracy
• Focus on education for human development rather than mere job training
• Cultivation of a new "social character" oriented towards being rather than having

Fromm believes that such a transformation is both necessary and possible, but requires a widespread awakening to the limitations of current social arrangements and a commitment to radical change.

5. Marx and Eckhart: Unlikely allies in humanistic thought

"Both were radically anti-authoritarian, spokesmen for the independence of man, for his active use of his essential powers, for life against death, for being against having."

Surprising convergence. Fromm draws unexpected parallels between Karl Marx, the 19th-century political philosopher, and Meister Eckhart, the 14th-century Christian mystic. Despite their different contexts, Fromm argues that both thinkers shared a deep concern for human liberation and self-realization.

Common themes in Marx and Eckhart:

• Critique of alienation and the "having" mode of existence
• Emphasis on human potential and self-actualization
• Rejection of authoritarianism and external authorities
• Vision of a society based on human needs rather than economic imperatives

By highlighting these connections, Fromm demonstrates the universal and timeless nature of humanistic ideals, transcending traditional ideological and religious boundaries.

6. The critique of consumer capitalism and Soviet communism

"Things are in the saddle and are riding us."

Two sides of the same coin. Fromm offers a penetrating critique of both Western consumer capitalism and Soviet-style communism. He argues that despite their apparent differences, both systems share a fundamental orientation towards having rather than being, and both fail to address human needs for meaning, creativity, and genuine community.

Critique of consumer capitalism:

• Promotes artificial needs and endless consumption
• Alienates people from their work and each other
• Reduces human beings to commodities

Critique of Soviet communism:

• Betrays Marx's humanistic vision
• Replaces capitalist authoritarianism with state authoritarianism
• Fails to overcome alienation and the having mode

Fromm calls for a "third way" that transcends these flawed systems, combining economic justice with personal freedom and human development.

7. Religion, God, and non-theistic spirituality

"A godless, non-theistic religiosity."

Beyond traditional religion. Fromm explores the possibility of a non-theistic spirituality that retains the ethical and experiential core of religious traditions while rejecting authoritarian and supernatural elements. He sees this as a necessary evolution in human spiritual development.

Elements of Fromm's non-theistic spirituality:

• Focus on human potential and self-realization
• Emphasis on love, reason, and productive activity
• Rejection of idolatry, including the idolatry of God concepts
• Integration of mystical insights with rational thought

Fromm draws on diverse sources, including Buddhism, Jewish and Christian mysticism, and humanistic philosophy, to articulate this vision of a modern, rational spirituality centered on human experience rather than divine authority.

8. The transformation of human nature and society

"That we all may so live as to experience it eternally, may God help us!"

Radical hope. Fromm's ultimate vision is for a fundamental transformation of both individual human nature and social structures. He believes that through conscious effort and social change, humans can overcome alienation, develop their full potential, and create a more just and fulfilling society.

Key aspects of this transformation:

• Overcoming the having mode in favor of the being mode
• Developing a new "social character" oriented towards human growth
• Creating economic and political structures that support human needs
• Fostering education and cultural practices that promote self-realization
• Cultivating a global humanistic ethic of solidarity and responsibility

While acknowledging the immense challenges involved, Fromm maintains a radical hope in human potential for positive change, seeing it as the only viable alternative to social and ecological catastrophe.

Last updated: August 20, 2024