An Analysis Of Erich Fromm's Escape From Freedom

When analyzing the first half of the book Escape from Freedom written by Erich Fromm, I gained quite a diverse perspective towards how individuals have become constructed throughout history. Fromm had summarized, humans cannot live in freedom without consequence. Furthering this, I was able to connect similarities between Fromm’s thesis and how a man such as Adolf Hitler, came into power. With such bold statements regarding the psychology of human nature, I have both positive thoughts as well as, some opposing thoughts towards his main idea.
Within the first chapter, I gained an understanding of the concepts that lie behind Fromm’s thesis. It is not possible for the individual to completely live in freedom and to simultaneously live free of …show more content…
Additionally, it is in my belief, Fromm was providing readers with his opinion as to why humans will submit to an authoritarian leader; the authoritarian leader is simple for human’s to follow. I saw this to be a knowledgeable proposition as we have all been constructed throughout our lives to follow authority. From the minute the individual is born, we are raised by our parents and without that leadership human would not exist. Not only is it in our nature but also, we enjoy the simplicity of it. While living under authoritarianism, humans have to think little for themselves, they submit to what is being told of them and with that, can bring man structure and well-being. Individuals continue to fight for freedom however, at the same time give up their individual freedom by continuously giving into societies structures, beliefs and values in order to feel secure. Not only is it the …show more content…
Firstly, Fromm expresses how the middle class was the largest population being afflicted. They were feeling powerless and hostile, resulting in the want and need to over throw the upper class. They were the ones forced into the unfamiliar. In relation, the middle class was also Hitler’s target when he began his campaign. When reading this I questioned whether Hitler was able to recognize the weakness in individuals and their need for power and construction like him self. He viewed how society has continuously needed a sense of guild to conform to in order to feel stable. This was found to be intriguing as Fromm also stated, that the psychological background of the leader is often closely related to that of his followers. In connection to Hitler, the middle class wanted to gain a sense of power and control. They wanted to regain that sense of togetherness and leave the feeling of aloneness. With Hitler having a campaign that fought for the idea of national pride, he was able to provide these individuals with a sense of safety, a sense of importance and a sense of belongingness in which, they had been deprived of. In relation to the time of Luther and Calvin, I feel as though these religious doctrines only helped further society into feeling comfort while conforming to an authoritarian leadership, aiding in