647 Quotes by Erich Fromm

We have been compelled to recognize that millions in Germany were as eager to surrender their freedom as their fathers were to fight for it; that instead of wanting freedom, they sought for ways of escape from it; that other millions were indifferent and did not believe the defense of freedom to be worth fighting and dying for.

The need for speed and newness, which can only be satisfied by consumerism, reflects restlessness, the inner flight from oneself.

Just as love for one individual which excludes the love for others is not love, love for one’s country which is not part of one’s love for humanity is not love, but idolatrous worship.

The more knowledge is inherent in a thing, the greater the love.

Human history began with an act of disobedience and it is not unlikely that it will be terminated by an act of obedience.

The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother’s side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother, and to become fully independent.

Unrestricted satisfaction of all desires is not conducive to well-being, nor is it the way to happiness or even to maximum pleasure.

If I am nothing but what I believe I am supposed to be – who am “I”?

The basic for any approach to self-transformation is an ever-increasing awareness of reality and the shedding of illusions.