01/27/2025
love as praxis
Erich Fromm (1900-1980), a German-American social psychologist, philosopher, and humanist, became widely known for his theories about love, freedom, and human nature. One of the most prominent intellectual figures of the 20th century, Fromm's work delved into the complexities of human relationships, particularly in modern, industrial societies. His book The Art of Loving (1956) explored the concept of love not as a mere emotional bond between individuals but as a fundamental human capacity that transcends personal attachment. Fromm believed that love is an active, conscious practice—a way of engaging with the world and others that requires effort, maturity, and understanding. Unlike traditional views that romanticized love as a feeling one falls into, he saw it as a skill that demands continuous cultivation.
In his philosophy, Fromm highlighted the difference between genuine love and a self-centered, possessive form of attachment. The quote shared reflects his belief that many people confuse love with egotism, mistakenly seeing their intense focus on one person as proof of their love’s depth. Fromm argued that love, at its core, involves care, respect, responsibility, and knowledge—not just for one person but for humanity as a whole. This idea challenged the conventional view of love as something exclusive and object-based. His work illuminated how an individual's love can only flourish if it extends beyond personal interests and embraces a broader sense of compassion for others and the world around them.
Fromm’s exploration of love as an orientation of character had profound implications on the way people understood relationships in modern society. He argued that true love is not passive but requires an active engagement with others and a commitment to their well-being, reflecting his broader concerns about alienation in the modern world. His insights into the psychology of love were groundbreaking, encouraging people to shift their focus from finding the right person to developing the right qualities within themselves. In this way, Fromm contributed significantly to both psychological theory and cultural discussions about the nature of love, offering a deeper understanding of how human connections can transcend mere attachment to become meaningful, transformative experiences.