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Escape from Freedom

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( 15,507 ratings, 1,083 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Escape from Freedom by Erich H. Fromm explores the psychological and social conditions that arose after the rise of democratic societies. It examines the paradox of freedom, where people are often apprehensive of complete freedom and may seek to relinquish it in exchange for security and authority. Fromm analyses how this dynamic has influenced individual and societal behaviours, particularly in the context of historical political movements.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5500

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might find this book intriguing if you are interested in exploring the psychological and societal impacts of freedom and how individuals cope with the existential struggles it presents. It delves into the tension between the desire for individuality and the comfort derived from authority and conformity, offering a profound examination of human behaviour in the context of historical events.

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Originally published: New York: Farrar & Reinhart, 1941.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Escape from Freedom by Erich H. Fromm delves into the profound philosophical and psychological implications of liberty in the modern world. In a thought-provoking exploration, Fromm examines how the evolution of democracy, despite its promise of freedom and self-determination, can paradoxically lead to a sense of isolation and powerlessness among individuals. As modern society navigates the tumult of change, this seminal work questions why people, granted the gift of liberty, might gravitate towards autocratic leaders and oppressive regimes.

Fromm navigates the intricate landscape of human psychology, dissecting the tension between the individual's need for autonomy and the inherent fear of isolation that such freedom can provoke. Through a sophisticated use of psychoanalysis, he unveils the psychological underpinnings of totalitarian societies, shedding light on how and why individuals, despite the gift of democratic freedom, might willingly surrender personal liberties in exchange for the perceived security provided by authoritarianism.

This landmark volume is as intellectually stimulating as it is enduringly pertinent, inviting readers to reconsider the delicate balance between freedom and security. Fromm's intense scrutiny of the motivations driving society's inclination towards authoritarian systems offers a compelling examination of the human condition that resonates powerfully today, just as it did amidst the global upheaval of the 1940s. His analysis poses urgent questions about the value of freedom, making Escape from Freedom not merely an expedition into the psychological elements of civilization but also a critical reflection on the societal structures that bind and define us.

Fromm's incisive investigation into how freedom can culminate in authoritarianism invites readers to contemplate the complexities of modern civilization, emphasizing the psychological maladies that may arise when freedom transforms into an unbearable weight. Ultimately, this book is a pivotal read for anyone seeking to comprehend the enigmatic dynamics between liberty, societal structures, and the enduring human yearning for belonging and purpose.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Escape from Freedom is praised for its incisive analysis of societal psychological challenges, hailed as both important and intellectually stimulating. Critics commend the book for its valuable insights into human nature and its relevance to cultural and psychological discourse.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780805031492

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 September 1994

Country: United States

Imprint: Henry Holt & Company Inc

Edition: Owl Book ed

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 386g

Pages: 301

About the Author

Erich Fromm was a German-born U.S. psychoanalyst and social philosopher who explored the interaction between psychology and society. His works include The Art of Loving, Psychoanalysis and Religion, and Man for Himself. He died in 1980.

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