Three fascinating examinations of the psychology of political power from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Art of Loving.

Philosopher and social theorist Erich Fromm is renowned as “a psychologist of penetration and a writer of ability” (Chicago Tribune). In these three riveting works, Fromm sheds light on some of the most critical dilemmas facing humanity. 

Escape from Freedom: Though freedom has been a prized value in Western culture for centuries, it is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and powerlessness. Fromm’s compelling study demonstrates how these feelings of alienation can lead to a desire for conformity and authoritarianism, bringing invaluable insight into the rise of Nazism and fascism in Europe. 

To Have or To Be?: Life in the modern age began when people no longer lived at the mercy of nature and instead took control of it. Fromm argues that through the process of modern materialism, the natural tendency of humankind moved away from practicing human abilities, and instead focused on possessing objects. Humankind therefore began using tools that replace our own powers to think, feel, and act independently. Fromm argues that positive change—both social and economic—will come from being, loving, and sharing. 

The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness: This classic study makes a distinction between animal aggression and certain forms of destructiveness that can only be found in human beings. His case studies span zoo animals, necrophiliacs, and the psychobiographies of notorious figures such as Hitler and Stalin, offering a comprehensive exploration of the human impulse for violence. 

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"This ebook features an illustrated biography of Erich Fromm including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s estate.This book is part of a broad study concerning the character structure of modern man and the problems of the interaction between psychological and sociological factors which I have been working on for several years and completion of which would have taken considerably longer. Present political developments and the dangers which they imply for the greatest achievements of modern culture—individuality and uniqueness of personality—made me decide to interrupt the work on the larger study and concentrate on one aspect of it which is crucial for the cultural and social crisis of our day: the meaning of freedom for modern man. My task in this book would be easier could I refer the reader to the completed study of the character structure of man in our culture, since the meaning of freedom can be fully understood only on the basis of an analysis of the whole character structure of modern man. As it is, I have had to refer frequently to certain concepts and conclusions without elaborating on them as fully as I would have done with more scope. In regard to other problems of great importance, I have often been able to mention them only in passing and sometimes not at all. But I feel that the psychologist should offer what he has to contribute to the understanding of the present crisis without delay, even though he must sacrifice the desideratum of completeness." - Erich Fromm