Skip to content
quotesby

I believe that freedom is not a constant attribute that 'we have' or 'we don't have'; perhaps there is only one reality: the act of liberating ourselves in the process of using choices. Every step in life that heightens the maturity of man heightens his ability to choose the freeing alternative. I believe that 'freedom of choice' is not always equal for all men at every moment. The man with an exclusively necrophilic orientation; who is narcissistic; or who is symbiotic-incestuous, can only make a regressive choice. The free man, freed from irrational ties, can no longer make a regressive choice.

Erich Fromm#61

PsychologyFreedomChoiceMaturity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Freedom is an act of liberating oneself through choices; maturity increases ability to choose freely, while certain orientations limit choice.
In plain terms
Freedom is choosing to liberate yourself; maturity helps you choose better.
What can you take from it?
Freedom is built through mature choices, not just given.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • psychology
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • practice choices
  • increase self awareness
  • avoid dependency

Questions to consider

  • When do you feel most free?
  • What stops you from choosing freely?

Another view

Structural barriers often limit actual freedom regardless of choice.

More from Erich Fromm

  1. I believe that love is the main key to open the doors to the 'growth' of man. Love and union with someone or something outside of oneself, union that allows on…

    Permalink to quote #60
  2. I believe that none can 'save' his fellow man by making a choice for him. To help him, he can indicate the possible alternatives, with sincerity and love, with…

    Permalink to quote #62
  3. I believe that the man choosing progress can find a new unity through the full development of all his human forces, which are produced in three orientations. T…

    Permalink to quote #59

Related quotes

  1. Man is a free agent; but he is not free if he does not believe it[.]

    Giacomo CasanovaGiacomo Casanova quote #24
  2. As you live out your desolation, you can be either unhappy or happy. Having that choice is what constitutes your freedom.

    Milan KunderaMilan Kundera quote #53
  3. The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us than ten thousand truths.

    Aleksandr PushkinAleksandr Pushkin quote #1