To Have or To Be?

1. The Having vs. Being Modes: Fundamental Orientations of Human Existence

"I refer to two fundamental modes of existence, to two different kinds of orientation toward self and the world, to two different kinds of character structure the respective predominance of which determines the totality of a person's thinking, feeling, and acting."

Two modes of existence. Fromm introduces the concept of "having" and "being" as two fundamental orientations that shape human behavior, thought, and emotion. The having mode is characterized by possessiveness, greed, and the desire to acquire and control. In contrast, the being mode focuses on aliveness, relatedness, and authentic experience.

Impact on society and individuals. These orientations not only affect individual psychology but also shape societal structures and values. The having mode dominates modern consumer societies, leading to materialism, alienation, and a sense of emptiness. The being mode, while less prevalent, offers a path to fulfillment, creativity, and genuine human connection.

• Having mode characteristics:
  • Emphasis on possession and ownership
  • Tendency to treat people and experiences as things
  • Fear of loss and insecurity
• Being mode characteristics:
  • Focus on experience and process
  • Openness to change and growth
  • Sense of aliveness and connectedness

2. Consumerism and Materialism: The Pitfalls of the Having Mode

"The having mode of existence, the attitude centered on property and profit, necessarily produces the desire—indeed the need—for power."

Consequences of materialism. Fromm critiques the consumerist culture that promotes endless acquisition as a path to happiness. This orientation leads to psychological and social problems, including anxiety, competitiveness, and environmental degradation.

Power and control. The having mode fosters a need for power and control over others and the environment. This desire for domination extends beyond material possessions to relationships, knowledge, and even one's own identity.

• Negative effects of consumerism:
  • Increased anxiety and insecurity
  • Environmental destruction
  • Erosion of human relationships
  • Loss of inner peace and contentment

3. The Being Mode: Embracing Aliveness, Relatedness, and Authenticity

"In the being mode, one's happiness lies in loving, sharing, giving."

Qualities of the being mode. Fromm describes the being mode as characterized by aliveness, relatedness, and authenticity. It involves fully engaging with life, developing one's potential, and connecting deeply with others and the world.

Benefits of being. The being orientation leads to greater fulfillment, creativity, and mental health. It allows for genuine love, productive work, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

• Characteristics of the being mode:
  • Present-moment awareness
  • Genuine self-expression
  • Deep connections with others
  • Creative and productive activity
  • Sense of inner peace and contentment

4. Religious and Philosophical Perspectives on Having and Being

"The Old Testament and the New Testament are the Great Code of Western culture, and one can find in them both the having and the being orientations—with the being orientation as the dominant one."

Religious roots. Fromm explores how various religious and philosophical traditions have addressed the tension between having and being. He finds that many spiritual teachings emphasize the importance of detachment from material possessions and the cultivation of inner qualities.

Transformative potential. These spiritual insights offer guidance for shifting from a having to a being orientation, providing a foundation for personal and social transformation.

• Religious perspectives on being:
  • Buddhism: Non-attachment and mindfulness
  • Christianity: "The kingdom of God is within you"
  • Judaism: Prophetic critique of materialism
  • Mystical traditions: Unity with the divine through inner transformation

5. Character Structure and Social Influence: The Marketing Personality

"The marketing character experiences himself as a commodity whose value is determined by his 'salability' in the market."

Social character. Fromm introduces the concept of "social character" to explain how societal structures shape individual personalities. In modern consumer societies, he identifies the emergence of the "marketing character."

The marketing personality. This character type treats itself as a commodity, constantly adapting to market demands and valuing external approval over authentic self-expression. It reflects the dominance of the having mode in contemporary culture.

• Traits of the marketing character:
  • Emphasis on appearance and image
  • Adaptability at the expense of authenticity
  • Valuing oneself based on market success
  • Difficulty in forming deep, lasting relationships

6. Overcoming the Having Mode: Strategies for Personal and Societal Change

"The way to do is to be."

Personal transformation. Fromm outlines strategies for shifting from the having to the being mode on an individual level. This involves cultivating awareness, practicing mindfulness, and developing one's inner capacities.

Societal change. He argues that personal transformation must be accompanied by changes in social structures and values. This requires reimagining economic systems, education, and cultural norms to support the being mode.

• Steps towards being:
  • Cultivating self-awareness
  • Practicing presence and mindfulness
  • Developing creativity and productive activity
  • Fostering genuine relationships
  • Engaging in social and political action

7. Envisioning a New Society: Participatory Democracy and Human-Centered Economics

"The aim of all social arrangements must be human well-being and the prevention of ill-being."

Participatory democracy. Fromm advocates for a radical restructuring of society based on active citizen participation. This involves decentralizing power, fostering local decision-making, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement in social and political life.

Human-centered economics. He proposes an economic system that prioritizes human needs and well-being over profit and growth. This includes ideas such as guaranteed basic income, reduction of working hours, and sustainable production practices.

• Features of a new society:
  • Decentralized political and economic structures
  • Focus on human development and well-being
  • Sustainable relationship with the environment
  • Culture of cooperation rather than competition
  • Integration of work, education, and leisure

8. The Role of Love, Creativity, and Reason in the Being Mode

"Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence."

Love as a way of being. Fromm emphasizes love as a fundamental aspect of the being mode. He describes love not as a possession but as an active, creative force that enhances the growth of oneself and others.

Creativity and reason. The being mode fosters genuine creativity and the productive use of reason. These capacities allow individuals to engage with the world in a meaningful, transformative way.

• Aspects of love in the being mode:
  • Care and responsibility for others
  • Respect for individuality
  • Knowledge that goes beyond surface understanding
  • Active engagement in mutual growth

9. Critiquing Modern Society: Alienation, Bureaucracy, and Technological Dominance

"Modern Man has transformed himself into a commodity; he experiences his life energy as an investment with which he should make the highest profit."

Alienation in modern life. Fromm critiques the alienating aspects of modern society, including bureaucratic control, technological dominance, and the commodification of human relationships.

Technology and human values. While acknowledging the benefits of technological progress, Fromm warns against allowing technology to dictate human values and behavior. He calls for a more balanced approach that puts technology in service of human needs and growth.

• Sources of alienation in modern society:
  • Bureaucratic control and standardization
  • Over-reliance on technology
  • Commercialization of human relationships
  • Separation from nature and creative work

10. The Path to Well-Being: Cultivating Inner Growth and Social Responsibility

"Well-being means to be fully born, to become what one potentially is; it means to have the full capacity for joy and for sadness or, to put it still differently, to awake from the half-slumber the average man lives in."

Personal development. Fromm emphasizes the importance of continuous inner growth and self-realization. This involves developing one's capacities, facing existential challenges, and striving for authenticity.

Social responsibility. Individual well-being is intrinsically linked to the well-being of society and the planet. Fromm calls for a sense of social responsibility and engagement in creating a more humane world.

• Elements of well-being:
  • Self-awareness and personal growth
  • Meaningful work and creativity
  • Genuine relationships and love
  • Connection to nature and the larger community
  • Engagement in social and political life

Last updated: August 20, 2024