The Sane Society (1955) -
: Modern humans have become "strangers" to themselves, their work, and each other.
In (1955), Erich Fromm argues that Western industrial society is fundamentally "insane" because it prioritizes economic production over human needs . He suggests that mental health should not be measured by how well an individual fits into society, but by how well society fits the objective needs of the human species. 🧠 Core Thesis: The Pathology of Normalcy The Sane Society (1955)
: Individuals in capitalist societies function like "well-fed automatons" or robots, focused on consumption rather than creative self-expression. : Modern humans have become "strangers" to themselves,
: People increasingly view themselves as commodities to be "sold" on the labor market, leading to a loss of true identity. 🧬 Five Fundamental Human Needs The sane society. 🧠 Core Thesis: The Pathology of Normalcy :
Fromm challenges the idea that being "normal" is the same as being healthy. He introduces the concept of the , where a whole culture may share a mental defect that is culturally accepted or even praised.