Episode #150 ... The Frankfurt School - Erich Fromm on Love
Jan 31, 2021
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Dive into Erich Fromm's enlightening views on love and human connection. Discover how he critiques the transactional nature of modern relationships. Fromm argues that true love is not merely a feeling but an active skill that demands courage and dedication. Unpack the struggle against human separateness and the profound quest for deeper connections. This discussion offers a thought-provoking look at loving in a meaningful way.
Love is an active striving for the growth and happiness of others, and does not rely on external factors.
True love requires humility, courage, faith, discipline, and an active orientation in various aspects of life.
Deep dives
The Importance of Love in Addressing Existential Loneliness
According to Eric Fram's book 'The Art of Loving,' love is deemed as the only sane and satisfactory response to the existential problem of separateness faced by human beings. Fram argues that consciousness makes us aware of our ultimate isolation and the insignificance of our existence in the vast universe. To combat this separateness, people often seek connections with something greater than themselves. However, Fram criticizes modern society for turning love into a commodity, resulting in transactional relationships where individuals seek partners to appease their insecurities. He suggests that true love is an active striving for the growth and happiness of others and does not rely on external factors. Mastery of love requires humility, courage, faith, and discipline, and entails not only loving others but also loving oneself.
Love as an Art: A Counter-Cultural Journey
Fram considers love to be an art form that demands dedication, just like any other art. He notes that modern society's focus on success, power, and material possessions undermines the pursuit of love as an art. In order to become masters of the art of love, individuals need to embrace humility, open-mindedness, and objectivity in their approach. They must also display courage and persistence in navigating the challenges that come with cultivating their capacity to love. Furthermore, faith in the process and discipline in daily acts of love are crucial aspects of developing the ability to love authentically. Fram argues that true love requires an intensity of awareness and vitality that can only be achieved through a productive and active orientation in various aspects of life.
The Interconnectedness of Love: Self-Love and Love for Others
Eric Fram emphasizes the indivisibility of love, asserting that love for oneself and love for others are not mutually exclusive. He argues that an attitude of love towards oneself is essential for those who are capable of genuinely loving others. This interconnectedness means that learning to love oneself is a vital aspect of developing the ability to love others deeply. Fram challenges the notion of love as a passive emotion or something that occurs spontaneously, instead considering it an active choice and a verb. He suggests that by practicing self-love and directing love outward to everything and everyone, individuals can overcome the feeling of separateness and experience the true transformative power of love.
