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I believe that the nature of man is a contradiction rooted in the conditions of human existence that requires a search for solutions, which in their turn create new contradictions and now the need for answers. I believe that every answer to these contradictions can really satisfy the condition of helping man to overcome the sense of separation and to achieve a sense of agreement, of unity, and of belonging. I believe that in every answer to these contradictions, man has the possibility of choosing only between going forward or going back; these choices, which are translated into specific actions, are means toward the regressing or toward the progressing of the humanity that is in us.

Erich Fromm#54

GrowthLifeHuman natureProgressChoicesContradiction

About this quote

What does it mean?
Human nature is defined by contradictions that drive us to seek unity and progress.
In plain terms
Life is full of contradictions that push us to grow and connect.
What can you take from it?
Use contradictions to drive progress.

Where it applies

  • personal growth
  • philosophy
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • embrace tension
  • seek connection

Questions to consider

  • What contradictions do you face?
  • Are you moving forward or back?

Another view

Some people may prefer stagnation over progress.

More from Erich Fromm

  1. I believe that man is the product of natural evolution that is born from the conflict of being a prisoner and separated from nature, and from the need to find …

    Permalink to quote #53
  2. I believe that the fundamental alternative for man is the choice between 'life' and 'death'; between creativity and destructive violence; between reality and i…

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. I believe that the unity of man as opposed to other living things derives from the fact that man is the conscious life of himself. Man is conscious of himself,…

    Permalink to quote #52

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