Man for Himself - by Erich Fromm (Paperback)

About the Book

Reprint. Originally published: New York: Rinehart, c1947.

Book Synopsis

In Man for Himself, Erich Fromm examines the confusion of modern women and men who, because they lack faith in any principle by which life ought to be guided, become the helpless prey of forces both within and without.

From the broad, interdisciplinary perspective that marks Fromm's distinguished oeuvre, he shows that psychology cannot divorce itself from the problems of philosophy and ethics, and that human nature cannot be understood without understanding the values and moral conflicts that confront us all. He shows that an ethical system can be based on human nature rather than on revelations or traditions. As Fromm asserts, "If man is to have confidence in values, he must know himself and the capacity of his nature for goodness and productiveness."

From the Back Cover

In Man for Himself, Dr. Fromm examines the confusion of modern man--who, because he lacks faith in nay principle by which life ought to be guided, becomes the helpless prey of forces within and without himself. From the broad, interdisciplinary perspective that marks Dr. Fromm's distinguished oeuvre, he shows that psychology cannot divorce itself from the problems of philosophy and ethics.

Review Quotes

"The more one reads the more one is impressed by the author's insight and by his passionate conviction that freedom, courage, spontaneity and respect for life are the true bases of happiness and morality."
--The Times Literary Supplement

"A fascinating volume . . . magnificent in its implications."
--Saturday Review

"Courageous and thoughtful . . . Fromm's book has a great deal to offer, both to the philosopher and to the psychologist, and can be read with profit by the layman."
--Ethics

About the Author

Erich Fromm (1900-1980) was a German-born U.S. psychoanalyst and social philosopher who explored the interaction between psychology and society. He cofounded the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis, and Psychology. A professor for much of his career, he taught at Bennington College, New York University, Michigan State University, and UNAM in Mexico City. Fromm's works include The Art of Loving, Love, Sexuality, and Matriarchy, and Man for Himself.