Erich fromm quotes escape from freedom

“Modern European and American history is centered around the effort to gain freedom from the political, economic, and spiritual shackles that have bound men.” 

One of the core historical theses of Fromm’s book is that modern history can be defined by a general trajectory toward increasing freedoms from external authorities, such as the rule of kings and the power of the Catholic Church.

Erich fromm critical theory

Fromm argues that while we may have gained freedom from outside forces, we have yet to obtain internal freedoms and live as true individuals. 

“Man is not only made by history—history is made by man.” 

A key assumption in Fromm’s argument is that individuals and society are in a dynamic, reciprocal relationship with each other.