Very much an excerpt

The content here is just fine - but be warned: the book is comprised of chapters that did not get included in Fromm's classic "To Have or To Be." You are better off reading that one first, then this. That said, much of the content does stand fairly well on its own. In combination iwth "To Have or To Be," it would get 4 stars, maybe 5.

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Thought provoking and helpful

Another classic work of philosphy by a highly intellegent thinker after WWII. I have never read Erich Fromm prior to this book, but have come across his name in various references. Clearly his work has some seminal influence to our current societal ways of thinking, and I was honestly surprised at Fromm's clear sympathy to Marxist theories (I had not made any connections to that and Critical Theories until I was well into this book).

While I find modern critical theories to be tragically flawed, I found that Fromm's earlier thinking and commentary to be compelling and elucidating, at least.

Before I make potential readers think that Marxism and CRT are central to this text, let me clear that up. This book is no treatise on Marxism, socialism, or any other -ism... Except perhaps capitalism, as Fromm clearly regards capitalism as deeply flawed -- which, in many ways, it is. His observations of the human creatures created by capitalism as not being a true person, but a commodity whose existence is defined by their relationship to possessions, are spot on in many ways.

He also includes a large section of essentially 'self-help': how to begin the work of freeing yourself from a meaningless existence, how to balance yourself against external and internal pressures that sap you of your authenticity and spirit, and so on. I found a lot of value in his advice, as well as his observations and philosophies -- even those I may not fully agree with.

There are many memorable and meaningful sections and passages in the book, even small asides, like how he disapproves of schools of philosphy because they encourage dogmatism and a discourage the growth of members and theories.

I am certainly adding other titles from Fromm to my wish list queue, now that I've had a taste of his theories and writing. If you have any interest in personal growth and objectivity, in the harms capitalistic societies can inflict upon individuals, or even just mid-20th century theories od psychology and society, I definitely recommend this book. Even if you are stoutly against even the suggestion of socialism and Marxist thought, Fromm's ideas are worth exposing yourself too, even if only to have a better understanding of some of the roots of those ways of thinking.

6 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Worse than a waste of time

I read someone's review where the writer pointed out this author criticizes those who talk about things they do not have personal experience with and then he proceeds to go on and on about exactly that. I could have saved myself some money if I'd listened to this advice. He discusses spiritual practices he has analyzed from the outside and makes all kinds of judgements about them. Extremely disappointing.

6 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Highly recommended

What made the experience of listening to The Art of Being the most enjoyable?

Really made it think, improve myself and become what I consider a better human being.

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The speakers voice is so calming.

I loved listening to this book because the material was great but I also loved the speakers voice. So relaxing.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Timeless

This book came just at the right time for me. A great overview and exploration of how our values around work, productivity, possessing and being have evolved over the past few 100 years. To realise how much of ones beliefs are simply the sum of relentless capital and consumerist conditioning is scary, humbling yet also freeing and empowering. I truly admire the authors conviction and learned comfort in being the lone voice in the wilderness for an era.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Essential reading for the journey

I've really been enjoying this book, as something I dip into for a half hour or so, to give me something to expand my consciousness of my own being - and it helps make sense of the things others do too. Well narrated, well paced - I haven't had to speed it up to listen to it like so many others.
I've also listened to Fromm's Psychoanalysis which is excellent too, though more aimed at analysts and those in therapy I suspect.
While I don't necessarily agree with all of Fromm's assertions and ways of seeing things, I'm very glad to haev been exposed to him in this way and I'd recommend this anyone wanting to better understand themselves and others, it's a really thought provoking exploration.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

“I am what I do”

In his book "The Art of Being," Erich Fromm discussed some very important topics that are even more relevant today than when the book was written. One of these topics is self-awareness, which has always been a challenge for people, and nowadays, it has become a hot topic as people are even more distracted.
Fromm emphasized the significance of stillness, meditation, and breathing techniques as powerful tools to raise our consciousness.
Additionally, the book offers valuable insights on how to choose a psychotherapist and understand, if you need one or self-analysis would suffice.
If each of us were to follow even 1/10 of Fromm's advice, our world would undoubtedly be a better place to live in.

“Self analysis becomes a kind of cleansing ritual, not because one is so concerned with one’s ego, but because one want to free oneself from egoism by analyzing its roots.”

Words for a Meatgrinder

Gain:
> Wanting to Live has a biological foundation (not just a psychological, social, or spiritual one). The biological foundation, is usually, sufficient.
> Study the works of people who have studied the Art of Living (Being) and try to get at its sincerity.
> The language of positive existence is so polluted by attempts to use our want for positive existence to the extent that it is hard to talk about it without emotional context.

Con:
> I want more exploration of what Fromm meant by the mode of Being and less description of the various manifestations of the mode of Having.

Fundamental

A great overview and correction to psychology’s basic misunderstandings. It contains essential practices for one’s self knowledge and self regulation, as well as advocating for self analysis. Useful, educational, and fundamental.