The Art of Being

By: Erich Fromm

Narrated by: Raymond Todd

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Very much an excerpt

The content here is just fine - but be warned: the book is comprised of chapters that did not get included in Fromm's classic "To Have or To Be." You are better off reading that one first, then this. That said, much of the content does stand fairly well on its own. In combination iwth "To Have or To Be," it would get 4 stars, maybe 5.

Thought provoking and helpful

Another classic work of philosphy by a highly intellegent thinker after WWII. I have never read Erich Fromm prior to this book, but have come across his name in various references. Clearly his work has some seminal influence to our current societal ways of thinking, and I was honestly surprised at Fromm's clear sympathy to Marxist theories (I had not made any connections to that and Critical Theories until I was well into this book).

While I find modern critical theories to be tragically flawed, I found that Fromm's earlier thinking and commentary to be compelling and elucidating, at least.

Before I make potential readers think that Marxism and CRT are central to this text, let me clear that up. This book is no treatise on Marxism, socialism, or any other -ism... Except perhaps capitalism, as Fromm clearly regards capitalism as deeply flawed -- which, in many ways, it is. His observations of the human creatures created by capitalism as not being a true person, but a commodity whose existence is defined by their relationship to possessions, are spot on in many ways.

He also includes a large section of essentially 'self-help': how to begin the work of freeing yourself from a meaningless existence, how to balance yourself against external and internal pressures that sap you of your authenticity and spirit, and so on. I found a lot of value in his advice, as well as his observations and philosophies -- even those I may not fully agree with.

There are many memorable and meaningful sections and passages in the book, even small asides, like how he disapproves of schools of philosphy because they encourage dogmatism and a discourage the growth of members and theories.

I am certainly adding other titles from Fromm to my wish list queue, now that I've had a taste of his theories and writing. If you have any interest in personal growth and objectivity, in the harms capitalistic societies can inflict upon individuals, or even just mid-20th century theories od psychology and society, I definitely recommend this book. Even if you are stoutly against even the suggestion of socialism and Marxist thought, Fromm's ideas are worth exposing yourself too, even if only to have a better understanding of some of the roots of those ways of thinking.

Worse than a waste of time

I read someone's review where the writer pointed out this author criticizes those who talk about things they do not have personal experience with and then he proceeds to go on and on about exactly that. I could have saved myself some money if I'd listened to this advice. He discusses spiritual practices he has analyzed from the outside and makes all kinds of judgements about them. Extremely disappointing.

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.

Timeless

This book came just at the right time for me. A great overview and exploration of how our values around work, productivity, possessing and being have evolved over the past few 100 years. To realise how much of ones beliefs are simply the sum of relentless capital and consumerist conditioning is scary, humbling yet also freeing and empowering. I truly admire the authors conviction and learned comfort in being the lone voice in the wilderness for an era.

Essential reading for the journey

I've really been enjoying this book, as something I dip into for a half hour or so, to give me something to expand my consciousness of my own being - and it helps make sense of the things others do too. Well narrated, well paced - I haven't had to speed it up to listen to it like so many others.
I've also listened to Fromm's Psychoanalysis which is excellent too, though more aimed at analysts and those in therapy I suspect.
While I don't necessarily agree with all of Fromm's assertions and ways of seeing things, I'm very glad to haev been exposed to him in this way and I'd recommend this anyone wanting to better understand themselves and others, it's a really thought provoking exploration.

“I am what I do”

In his book "The Art of Being," Erich Fromm discussed some very important topics that are even more relevant today than when the book was written. One of these topics is self-awareness, which has always been a challenge for people, and nowadays, it has become a hot topic as people are even more distracted.
Fromm emphasized the significance of stillness, meditation, and breathing techniques as powerful tools to raise our consciousness.
Additionally, the book offers valuable insights on how to choose a psychotherapist and understand, if you need one or self-analysis would suffice.
If each of us were to follow even 1/10 of Fromm's advice, our world would undoubtedly be a better place to live in.

“Self analysis becomes a kind of cleansing ritual, not because one is so concerned with one’s ego, but because one want to free oneself from egoism by analyzing its roots.”

Words for a Meatgrinder

Gain:
> Wanting to Live has a biological foundation (not just a psychological, social, or spiritual one). The biological foundation, is usually, sufficient.
> Study the works of people who have studied the Art of Living (Being) and try to get at its sincerity.
> The language of positive existence is so polluted by attempts to use our want for positive existence to the extent that it is hard to talk about it without emotional context.

Con:
> I want more exploration of what Fromm meant by the mode of Being and less description of the various manifestations of the mode of Having.

Fundamental

A great overview and correction to psychology’s basic misunderstandings. It contains essential practices for one’s self knowledge and self regulation, as well as advocating for self analysis. Useful, educational, and fundamental.

Excellent book perfectly narrated

Great job, the narrator's voice is fantastic! The philosophy inside is deep yet easy to understand Absolute masterpiece.

A good book with a little spinn on crazy

I enjoyed the beginning and the end of the book.
somewhere in the middle of the book the author starts to change. It covers interesting philosophical themes and tries to show one way of living. by showing I mean arguments of its effects and why / how it is one way of "optimal' living as rhe book describes much better then me. The book has an interesting view on existentialism. If you however do not like or agree with the arguments of Freud or Marx I would still recommend this book as it is the authors own concept and conclusion but that seem to be most effected by Marx and Ferud. I myself did not agree in many statements, conclusions and even the source of an argument I still enjoyed the book mostly as it challenged me in a few ways. The book goes into psykoanalys, it was an interesting look into a "field" and in combination to philosophy that I enjoyed.

tl dr; Existentialism and a modern way to live based in psykoanalys and human values relatively modern philosophy.

PS; how was maslow's pyramid never mentioned it would fit perfectly in many situations in thr book?

Food for Thought....

Even though this book required for me many restarts on chapters or re-listening to grasp fully the concepts being written about, I thoroughly enjoyed. And even though some of Freud's quoted opinions seemed a little too far fetched they did make you think on the given subject more

Worth a listen

It works. Lots of good insights. I Will read more Fromm works for sure soon.

Great Read

Better than I expected after the will to Power I thought this was just a feel good positive feel good book but I was mistaken, Great book for the modern man.

Great story!

I loved the story! The most memorable moment what in Chapter 6 about definition of a narcissistic person. The narrator read it amazingly. Highly recommended!

insightful

Wisdom, wisdom, wisdom! I'm honoured to have listened to such knowledge. it has provoked so many thoughts and ideas.

Educational

Informative and interesting for those wishing to know more about psychology or types of personalities.

The first half was good

Once the psychoanalysis started, while there was great deal to learn from it. The author sounded like he was too biased. overlaying his biases with Marxist views and bringing in Stuff from Freud's dream interpretation to dissect the whims and will.
There surely are great concepts in there that got me to ask some difficult questions that I don't have the answers to. it was thought provoking but I think the author could have done better job explaining some concepts.

Nice analysis though based on outdated concepts...

Bringing the reader back half a century, into a world of dominants, a place where progress came with pain... Often still relevant, this book goes through a great review of the models of living physically and spiritually.
... an easy reading with no special discovery or challenge.