Haben oder Sein, Erich Fromm, 1967
The book explores the fundamental conflict between a life driven by material possessions (“having”) and one focused on authenticity, growth, and meaningful existence (“being”). It challenges the pursuit of external validation and consumerism, advocating instead for self-awareness, balance, and a shift toward living one’s values rather than accumulating knowledge or possessions superficially.
Top 3 Learnings:
- True fulfillment comes from embracing “being” over “having” by focusing on self-discovery, continuous personal growth, and meaningful experiences rather than materialistic pursuits.
- Transformation requires awareness of suffering, understanding its causes, and actively working toward change through structured, intentional steps rather than blind growth.
- A sustainable, value-driven society depends on accessible, objective information and small, incremental changes rather than large-scale, top-down interventions.