To Have or To Be?
by Erich Fromm
Two modes of existence: having (possession, consumption, identity through ownership) and being (experience, activity, giving). Fromm's late critique of consumer society and his vision of a sane alternative.
Read it if…
you want a critique of materialism with a psychological base.
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Skip it if…
you want economics.
Try instead: No Time Like the Present →
Three things you will actually use
- Having mode: I am what I have.
- Being mode: I am what I do and love.
- Choose being daily.
Do this first
Read the chapter on having and being in daily experience.
Our verdict
Having versus being.
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