36 pages • 1 hour read
Erich FrommEscape From Freedom
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1941A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Escape From Freedom by Erich Fromm explores how modern society's advancement towards freedom from external authorities leaves individuals feeling isolated and insignificant, leading them to submit to authoritarianism or conform to societal norms, illustrated through the rise of Nazism and behaviors in democratic societies. The book discusses sensitive topics including the psychological impact of fascism and authoritarian rule.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Erich Fromm's Escape From Freedom is lauded for its insightful analysis of the human struggle with autonomy and authority, blending psychology and sociology. Readers appreciate its profound philosophical inquiries, though some find its dense prose challenging. Others critique its dated references but acknowledge its enduring relevance in understanding modern societal tensions.
Who Should Read Escape From Freedom?
A reader who enjoys Erich Fromm's Escape From Freedom is likely fascinated by the intersection of psychology, sociology, and philosophy. This intellectual profile may also appreciate works like George Orwell's 1984, Hannah Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism, and Christopher Lasch's The Culture of Narcissism.