36 pages 1 hour read

Erich Fromm

Escape From Freedom

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1941

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Essay Topics

1.

What is the difference between the concepts of “freedom from” and “freedom to,” as described by Fromm in Escape from Freedom? Compare and contrast how these varying notions of freedom manifested in the Reformation, Nazi Germany, and modern democracies. 

2.

Throughout Escape from Freedom, Fromm describes how his conception of human nature differs from that of Sigmund Freud. While Freud believed human nature to be instinctual and biologically determined, Fromm argues that human nature is largely created by society. Is human nature biological or socially constructed? Use examples from Escape from Freedom to support your argument. 

3.

Fromm argues that modern democracies have yet to achieve true freedom, as people largely obey conformist thinking. Do you agree with Fromm’s assessment of democratic societies? How could a society prevent individuals from becoming conformists?