“Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is.”

— Erich Fromm, Man for Himself, 1947, Ch. 4

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.”

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

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

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

“Why does this magnificent applied science which saves work and makes life easier bring us so little happiness?”

“The happiness of men consists in life. And life is in labor.”

“Love is a great force in private life; it is indeed the greatest of all things; but love in public affairs does not work.”

“Life grants nothing to us mortals without hard work.”

“You've got to understand life, understand it when you're young.”