“Selfishness and self-love, far from being identical, are actually opposites.”

— 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.”

“All men love you for themselves. I love you for yourself.”

“The chief thing is to love others like yourself, that's the chief thing, and that's everything.”

“I say to myself with jealous love that not only is there no one else like Him, but that there could be no one.”

“Wouldst thou other men know, look thou within thine own heart.”

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

“I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth — and truth rewarded me.”