QuoteProject
Human history begins with man's act of disobedience which is at the same time the beginning of his freedom and the development of his reason.
Erich Fromm
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Disobedience marks the start of human freedom and reasoning.

This quote by Erich Fromm highlights the transformative role of disobedience in human history, suggesting that the act of going against established norms or rules signifies the onset of individual freedom and the evolution of rational thought. Rather than viewing disobedience solely as a negative action, Fromm presents it as a crucial step in humanity's journey towards autonomy and the capacity for critical thinking.

Themes

DisobedienceFreedomReasonHistoryHumanity

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about individual rights and freedoms, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of questioning authority.

More from Erich Fromm

Love, experienced thus, is a constant challenge; it is not a resting place, but a moving, growing, working together; even whether there is harmony or conflict; joy or sadness, is secondary to the fundamental fact that two people experience themselves from the essence of their existence, that they are only one with each other by being one with themselves, rather than by fleeing from themselves.
Erich FrommRead
Both dreams and myths are important communications from ourselves to ourselves. If we do not understand the language in which they are written, we miss a great deal of what we know and tell ourselves in those hours when we are not busy manipulating the outside world.
Erich FrommRead
Infantile love follows the principle: "I love because I am loved." Mature love follows the principle: "I am loved because I love." Immature love says: "I love you because I need you." Mature love says: "I need you because I love you.
Erich FrommRead
To have faith requires courage, the ability to take a risk, the readiness even to accept pain and disappointment. Whoever insists on safety and security as primary conditions of life cannot have faith; whoever shuts himself off in a system of defense, where distance and possession are his means of security, makes himself a prisoner. To be loved, and to love, need courage, the courage to judge certain values as of ultimate concern – and to take the jump and to stake everything on these values.
Erich FrommRead
In times of change, learners inherit the earth
Erich FrommRead
In the nineteenth century the problem was that God is dead. In the twentieth century the problem is that man is dead.
Erich FrommRead

Similar quotes

When we are in contact with our feelings and needs, we humans no longer make good slaves and underlings.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
As nations can not be rewarded or punished in the next world they must be in this.
George MasonRead
The heights of popularity and patriotism are still the beaten road to power and tyranny.
David HumeRead
To renounce freedom is to renounce one's humanity, one's rights as a man and equally one's duties.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
Remember: the Bible is our only authoritative source of information about Heaven.
Billy GrahamRead
My choice is what I choose to do and if I'm causing no harm it shouldn't bother you. Your choice is who you choose to be and if you're causin' no harm, then your alright with me.
Ben HarperRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.