"One cannot be deeply responsive to the world without being saddened very often"
- Erich Fromm
About this Quote
This quote by Erich Fromm talks to the idea that in order to truly appreciate the world around us, we need to want to open ourselves up to the unhappiness that comes with it. Fromm recommends that in order to be deeply responsive to the world, we must want to accept the sadness that includes it. This might indicate that in order to genuinely understand the appeal of the world, we must likewise be willing to accept the pain and suffering that exists in it. By being open to the sadness, we can acquire a much deeper understanding of the world and its complexities. We can discover to value the charm of life, even in the middle of its sadness. By being open to the sadness, we can acquire a higher gratitude for the world and its residents. We can find out to be more thoughtful and understanding of the struggles of others. Ultimately, Fromm's quote encourages us to be open to the unhappiness of the world, so that we can acquire a deeper appreciation for it.