Trapped in Freedom: An Oxymoron

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how, according to Erich Fromm, the connection between modern society and our willingness to give up our freedom lies within the breakdown of our primary ties, our feelings of powerlessness, and our insecurities. The paper looks at how Fromm contends that to have freedom is to have fear, fear of the unknown, of the choices we have to make, and of the alienation of ourselves to society.

From the Paper:

"In modern society, people are free to make their lives whatever they want them to be, but this doubt has lead to their weakness, as opposed to a strength. The isolation with this freedom has lead every member of society to seek out a purpose. They can't go on their own blind journey to find out who they are. People want to be told what they should be doing with their lives because they can't stand the fear of the unknown. Those who are smart and ambitious enough know this, and use it to their advantage, such as the link between religion and consumption. Even before the protestant reformation, when Catholicism reigned, the church had all of the power, and controlled all of the money. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fromm, Erich Escape From Freedom. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1994.

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