“Man is born as a freak of nature, being within nature and yet transcending it.”

— Erich Fromm, The Revolution of Hope: Toward a Humanized Technology, 1968, p. 61

About Erich Fromm

1900 – 1980

German-born psychoanalyst and social philosopher, author of 'The Art of Loving' (1956) and 'Escape from Freedom' (1941).

“In love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two.”

“What is it that distinguishes man from animals? It is not his upright posture.”

“Man is the only animal for whom his own existence is a problem which he has to solve and from which he cannot escape.”

“The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.”

“The instructions of an old man are precious.”

“Old age deprives the intelligent man only of qualities useless to wisdom.”

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”

“I call upon you, young men, to obey your heart, and be the nobility of this land.”

“The young have exalted notions, because they have not been humbled by life or learned its necessary limitations.”