Episode #151 - The Frankfurt School - Erich Fromm on Freedom

Erich Fromm on Freedom

This episode continues the exploration of Erich Fromm’s work by turning to his 1941 book Escape from Freedom, where he investigates a troubling paradox of modern life: after centuries of fighting for individual autonomy, many people now feel more isolated and anxious than ever. Drawing a parallel between personal development and human history, Fromm likens the journey from ancient unity with nature to modern individuality to the growth of a child into adulthood—gaining freedom, but also the burden of self-responsibility. The episode explores how this “individuation” has created unprecedented negative freedom (freedom from external constraints), but without a corresponding sense of positive freedom—spontaneous, self-directed connection to the world—people may retreat into authoritarianism, destructiveness, or blind conformity. These escape strategies, though offering security, ultimately sacrifice individuality. Through historical context and psychological insight, the episode highlights Fromm’s core concern: that unless we learn how to embrace freedom meaningfully, we risk surrendering it entirely.

Further Reading:

Conformity: The Power of Social Influences by Cass R. Sunstein (2019)
Freedom Beyond Sovereignty: Reconstructing Liberal Individualism by Sharon R. Krause (2015)
The Dynamic Individualism of William James by James O. Pawelski (2007)

See the full transcript here.