Erich Fromm was a political activist, psychologist, psychoanalyst, philosopher, and one of the most important intellectuals of the twentieth century. Known for his theories of personality and political insight, Fromm dissected the sadomasochistic appeal of brutal dictators while also eloquently championing love -- which, he insisted, was nothing if it did not involve joyful contact with others and humanity at large. Admired all over the world, Fromm continues to inspire with his message of universal brotherhood and quest for lasting peace. The first systematic study of Fromm's influences and achievements, this biography revisits the thinker's most important works, especially Escape from Freedom and The Art of Loving, which conveyed important and complex ideas to millions of readers. The volume recounts Fromm's political activism as a founder and major funder of Amnesty International, the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, and other peace groups. Consulting rare archival materials across the globe, Lawrence J. Friedman reveals Fromm's support for anti-Stalinist democratic movements in Central and Eastern Europe and his efforts to revitalize American democracy. For the first time, readers learn about Fromm's direct contact with high officials in the American government on matters of war and peace while accessing a deeper understanding of his conceptual differences with Freud, his rapport with Neo-Freudians like Karen Horney and Harry Stack Sullivan, and his association with innovative artists, public intellectuals, and world leaders. Friedman elucidates Fromm's key intellectual contributions, especially his innovative concept of "social character," in which social institutions and practices shape the inner psyche, and he clarifies Fromm's conception of love as an acquired skill. Taking full stock of the thinker's historical and global accomplishments, Friedman portrays a man of immense authenticity and spirituality who made life in the twentieth century more humane than it might have been.

劳伦斯·弗里德曼（Lawrence Friedman）

劳伦斯·弗里德曼是哈佛大学心理学教授以及印第安纳大学名誉教授。他曾在11个国家任教，有8本学术性著作，发表了50多篇文章。他的作品包括《身份的建筑师：埃里克•埃里克森的传记》《梅宁格：家庭与诊所》等。

译者简介

郑世彦，华东师范大学心理学硕士，心理学编辑，心理咨询师，著有《看电影学心理学》，译有《存在—人本主义治疗》《生涯咨询》《现实疗法》《选择理论》《心理学史》等。

计羚，英国伯明翰大学心理学硕士，高校教师，心理咨询师。现就职于安徽新华学院，从事大学生心理健康教育教学工作。