📘 New: “Thirst for Reality”Learn more →
Philosophy

To Have or to Be

1 min read·ger. Haben oder Sein · 1976

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1976, Erich Fromm's «To Have or to Be» is a profound philosophical exploration of two modes of existence—having and being. Fromm examines how these approaches affect individuals and society as a whole. He argues that modern society is overly focused on having, leading to alienation, materialism, and environmental degradation. Fromm advocates for a shift towards being, which involves cultivating genuine human qualities such as love, creativity, and compassion. The book has significantly influenced cultural and social discussions, encouraging readers to rethink their values and lifestyles. It has become an important part of humanistic psychology and philosophy, inspiring movements for social change and environmental sustainability.

To Have or to Be
Date of publication: 24 November 2024
Updated: 15 November 2026
———
Author: 
Original title: ger. Haben oder Sein · 1976
Genre: Philosophy
Prepared by the Litseller editorial team. Our goal is to share concise, accurate, and valuable book notes for personal growth and education.
Reviewed by the Litseller editorial team before publication, and checked against the book itself.
This material is prepared for educational purposes and is not a reproduction of the original text. We do not use protected elements of the work (text, structure, unique scenes).
Spotted a mistake?