Erick Fromm

Erich Fromm (1900-1980) was a strong believer in the idea that existential problem cannot be solved by technology, compared to the easier and more solvable dilemma of historic problems. Existential problems are problems that deal with fear and situations of the inner self. For example, the awareness of death becomes more and more prevalent as one gets older. It also becomes more recognized if and when someone close to you that is the same ages dies, because the idea of death is now put on the table. Another example is the complex choices that we all have to make throughout our lives. Thirdly, the sense of aloneness is also an existential problem because it is something that must be faced-although people may help you-ultimately the problem needs to be dealt with the inner self. These are examples of existential problems because they need to be solved within, and not with technology.

Fromm used three examples of anxiety to help one work through problems. He broke up the anxiety into the following categories: normal, neurotic, and existential anxiety. You do not want to any neurotic anxiety. Normal anxiety is okay in moderation and existential is something that should be worked through. Neurotic anxiety is simple fears like snake, spider, or anything that is an irrational fear.

Fromm felt that the authentic way to solve a problem was to face life without excuse and become totally responsible for own existence. Fromm would say that following a cult leader would not be authentic because it does not face life head on. He would argue that turning to a cult is an inauthentic way to deal with existential anxiety. He claims, in an inauthentic solution the subject will use southing ideologies to comfort the mind and run away from real decisions. Inauthentic ideology is a way to keep people busy all the time, it is a way for people to not think about their problems. An example of this is workaholics or people that seek the following of a cult.

Being a Cyrenaica hedonist could be a way of avoiding being authentic. Since a Cyrenaica hedonist is all about doing what bring the most pleasure and what make you feel good, a Cyrenaica hedonist could be the way to go. They could explore the inauthentic way to deal with anxiety. Ultimately, it does not matter in the eyes of this group, just as long as it makes someone feel the happiest.

Fromm said that love is to care about someone other than yourself and that love gets easier the more you practice it. He argues that love is training, an art porsay. It is difficult, but also possible. Fromm expresses his beliefs in “The art of living” on page 4, “The first step to take is to become aware that love is an art, just as living is an art; if we want to learn how to love we must proceed in the same way we have to proceed if we want to learn any other art, say music, painting, carpentry, or the art of medicine or engineering.”