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About this quote

What does it mean?
Selfishness prevents genuine connection with others and also blocks self-care, as both stem from a lack of inner fulfillment.
In plain terms
People who focus only on themselves cannot truly love anyone, including themselves.
What can you take from it?
True love requires looking beyond one's own needs.

Where it applies

  • relationship counseling
  • personal development
  • psychology studies

Putting it to work

  • reflect on selfish habits
  • practice altruism
  • work on self-worth

Questions to consider

  • When did you last prioritize someone else's needs?
  • How do you define selfishness?

Another view

Some self-interest is necessary for survival, so not all focus on self is harmful.

More from Erich Fromm

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  3. Only the person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others.

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