Summary of Erich Fromm's The Art of Being

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#1 We all want to live, and we like to live. We are happy if our wishes are fulfilled, or if we have what we want. The differences between the various views of happiness lie in the answer to the question What are those needs the fulfillment of which brings about happiness.

#2 There are two opposing positions on the subject of needs. The first, and today the almost exclusively held position, is that a need is defined entirely subjectively. It is the striving for something I want badly enough so that we have a right to call it a need, the satisfaction of which gives pleasure.

#3 The same applies to the norms that are conducive to human happiness. Everyone knows the connection between overeating and health, and yet people continue to eat unhealthy foods and become fat. This is because they have a craving for sweets and cakes, which is different from normal desires.

#4 The goal of living is to develop yourself in such a way that you come closest to the model of human nature, or in other words, to grow optimally according to the conditions of human existence. This requires the liberation of yourself from the shackles of greed and illusions.

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