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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, without being sentimental and without illusion. The knowledge and awareness of the freeing alternatives can reawaken in an individual all his hidden energies and put him on the path to choosing respect for 'life' instead of for 'death.'

Erich Fromm#62

LoveGrowthFreedomChoice

About this quote

What does it mean?
Helping others means showing options with love, not making choices for them. Awareness of alternatives awakens inner energy toward life.
In plain terms
Show people their choices with love instead of deciding for them.
What can you take from it?
Empower others by revealing alternatives, not making choices.

Where it applies

  • discussing counseling
  • analyzing parenting
  • reflecting on mentorship

Putting it to work

  • facilitate others' decisions
  • offer choices with care

Questions to consider

  • Do you guide others or decide for them?
  • How do you support others' autonomy?

Another view

It assumes others have the capacity to recognize and act on alternatives.

More from Erich Fromm

  1. 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…

    Permalink to quote #61
  2. I believe that if an individual is not on the path to transcending his society and seeing in what way it furthers or impedes the development of human potential…

    Permalink to quote #63
  3. 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

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