"Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is. The most important product of his effort is his own personality"
- Erich Fromm
About this Quote
Erich Fromm's quote suggests that the primary purpose of life is to discover and establish one's true self. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-actualization. Through this process, one can end up being the individual they are indicated to be and reach their complete potential. This is an uphill struggle, as it requires a lot of self-questioning and self-reflection. It also needs a desire to challenge one's fears and insecurities, and to make challenging choices. The result of this effort is a strong sense of self-identity and an unique personality. This is the most crucial product of one's life, as it is the foundation of all other successes. By ending up being the individual they are meant to be, individuals can live a life of function and fulfillment.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"