Two Aspects of Freedom for Modern Man Summary and Analysis

In Chapter IV, Fromm continues to trace the path of capitalism after its first appearance during the Reformation. Protestant thinking has prepared people for their new roles in a capitalist economy, Fromm argues. This new capitalism is especially suited to take advantage of this new outlook which emphasizes the individual as an independent unit.

It is in the modern ages that the contradiction inherent in "freedom" fully manifests, Fromm argues. On one hand, man becomes "more independent, self-reliant and critical," he writes, but at the same time he becomes "more isolated, alone and afraid." (p. 104) This apparent contradiction can be resolved Fromm suggests, but looking at both factors as part of the same phenomenon.

Part of the problem is how freedom has been defined, Fromm states. It is largely...