The Art of Being

By: Erich Fromm

Narrated by: Raymond Todd

This classic work by psychologist and social philosopher Eric Fromm builds upon his previous popular book To Have or to Be? The Art of Being teaches us to avoid the tantalizing illusions of our consumer-driven world by learning to function as a whole person from a state of inner completeness or being. The transition from an identity of having to being creates a state of enlightened psychological and spiritual happiness.

Fromm observes that the modern person is less a self-reflective being than a composite of data promoted by the mass media, and he encourages us to pursue true self-awareness beyond simple political, ideological, and religious cliches. By learning to be centered in the self, the individual is less swayed by the endless pressures and dissatisfactions of the culture of consumerism.

©1989 Estate of Erich Fromm. Foreword 1992 Rainer Funk (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Eric Fromm is both a psychologist of penetration and a writer of ability." (Chicago Tribune)

Was thrown off by the last chapter

After all the quite sense making points on individuals and personal development, the last chapter was like from another book, completely unrelated and full of ungrounded assertions and resentment.

I guess 40 years of self analysis is not enough to withstand the temptation of one simple solution for all human misery.

I guess Fromm was too privileged to even imagine the nastiness of prehistoric lifestyle.

a great listen!

many concepts of life, broken down in such great eloquence! wonderful choice of words! thank you!

Interesting Perspectives

I’m glad I listened to this book. I enjoyed learning about his perspectives on life. The narrator does a wonderful job as well.

Critical questions

Erich Fromm's The Art of Being challenges the idea that happiness comes from acquiring possessions (having) and instead argues for the importance of self-discovery and authenticity (being). Fromm critiques quick-fix self-help solutions and emphasizes the need for self-reflection and critical thinking. He encourages us to move beyond cultural expectations and find our own unique purpose in life.

Enlightening

Well read. The voice fits the material perfectly. The content gives great insight to the simplicity of ‘Being’ as virtue by contrast to the mindless zombie society that we indulge in. Get woke. Stay woke.

Very insightful

Chapter 15… makes it easier to understand the ego of ownership.

I highly recommend this book.

just not that insightful/disagree with the premise

too outdated and filled with some sort of platitudes which are hard to disagree with merely from a standpoint of a common sense, which is the case when lack of objections to the point drawn proves only the lack of its value

Short but deep

It is instructive and entertaining... A bit dated but the principles stand up well.

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.

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.