Escape from FreedomWhy do people choose authoritarianism over freedom? The classic study of the psychological appeal of fascism by a New York Times–bestselling author. The pursuit of freedom has indelibly marked Western culture since Renaissance humanism and Protestantism began the fight for individualism and self-determination. This freedom, however, can make people feel unmoored, and is often accompanied by feelings of isolation, fear, and the loss of self, all leading to a desire for authoritarianism, conformity, or destructiveness. It is not only the question of freedom that makes Fromm’s debut book a timeless classic. In this examination of the roots of Nazism and fascism in Europe, Fromm also explains how economic and social constraints can also lead to authoritarianism. By the author of The Sane Society and The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness, this is a fascinating examination of the anxiety that underlies our darkest impulses, an enlightening volume perfect for readers of Eric Hoffer or Hannah Arendt. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Erich Fromm including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s estate. |
Contents
Freedom in the Age of the Reformation | |
The Two Aspects of Freedom for Modern | |
Mechanisms of Escape | |
Destructiveness | |
The Illusion of Individuality | |
Notes | |
A Biography of Erich Fromm | |
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activity aims analysis anxiety assumed attitude authoritarian character authority basic basis become Calvin capitalism capitalistic character structure character traits child compulsive concept culture democracy destructiveness discussion doctrines domination doubt drives dynamic economic emotional ERICH ERICH FROMM escape Escape from Freedom essentially existence expression fact factors Fascism feeling of powerlessness forces Freud Fromm German God’s Hitler hostility human ideas ideology important independence individual individual’s insecurity insignificance irrational isolation kind lack lower middle class Luther magic helper masochism masochistic strivings matter meaning medieval society Mein Kampf Middle Ages modern moral Nazi Nazism negative freedom neurotic object Oedipus complex one’s oneself person political positive freedom principle problem Protestantism pseudo psychological qualities rational realization relationship Renaissance repressed result role rooted sadistic sado-masochism sado-masochistic satisfaction sense sexual social character social process spirit spontaneity strength submission suppression tendencies thinking thought understanding whole