Origins of minimalism: “To Have or to Be?” by Erich Fromm

Summary

In this thought-provoking video, Anna reviews the book *To Have or To Be* by Erich Fromm, focusing on the conflict between two modes of living: the mode of having and the mode of being. Fromm's critique of materialism and consumption is explored, touching on how these modes manifest in society, relationships, and personal growth. Anna reflects on how society's emphasis on 'having' leads to loneliness, greed, and fear, while embracing 'being' promotes mindfulness, creativity, and personal freedom. The review challenges the dogmatic approach to minimalism and offers deep insights into how we live and experience life in a consumer-driven world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fromm’s book *To Have or To Be?* contrasts two modes of living: the mode of having and the mode of being, exploring how these modes influence our behavior, emotions, and understanding of life.
• 😀 In the mode of having, individuals prioritize owning possessions, seeking security through material wealth and social status, whereas in the mode of being, people focus on experiencing life, appreciating the present, and cultivating inner freedom.
• 😀 Minimalism, while often promoted as a way to own less, can paradoxically become a form of 'having' when it turns into a dogmatic pursuit or identity, rather than a mindset of simplicity and being.
• 😀 The desire to own and accumulate possessions stems from a fear of impermanence and the illusion of immortality, which is further exacerbated by social media and societal pressures.
• 😀 Fromm suggests that true freedom and creativity emerge when individuals embrace the mode of being, allowing them to connect deeply with others and the world around them, without the constant need for acquisition.
• 😀 Knowledge and memory are approached differently in the modes of having and being. In the mode of having, knowledge is treated as a possession, fixed and rigid, while in the mode of being, knowledge is fluid and transformative.
• 😀 Conversations and reading experiences also differ between the modes. In the mode of having, people focus on winning arguments and consuming information quickly, while in the mode of being, interactions become dialogues and books are explored for deeper meaning.
• 😀 Faith, according to Fromm, becomes a tool for security in the mode of having, where it is based on external authority and rigid belief systems, while in the mode of being, faith is about personal experience and commitment to one’s own values.
• 😀 Fromm critiques how modern society encourages competition and consumerism, both of which create a cycle of anxiety, restlessness, and dissatisfaction, reflecting a deeper fear of not having enough.
• 😀 The shift from the mode of having to the mode of being is challenging but essential for overcoming the emptiness and fear that characterize modern life, especially in the face of a world dominated by consumerism and societal expectations.

Q & A

What are the two modes of living discussed in the script?

The two modes of living discussed in the script are the 'mode of having' and the 'mode of being'. The 'mode of having' focuses on possession, accumulation, and ownership, while the 'mode of being' emphasizes living in the present, experiencing life, and embracing change without attachment to material things.

How does the 'mode of having' manifest in everyday actions?

In the 'mode of having', people tend to possess or control things, such as picking flowers to put in a vase (which kills the flower), taking pictures of sunsets instead of just enjoying them, and googling information about a building rather than simply appreciating its beauty. This mode is about collecting experiences and objects for ownership.

What is the difference between 'having' and 'being' in terms of memory?

In the 'mode of having', memories are viewed as distant, fixed objects—like old photographs that are owned but no longer felt. In contrast, the 'mode of being' allows memories to remain vivid and alive, deeply connected to emotions and experiences that can still affect the present moment.

How does the script relate 'having' and faith?

In the 'mode of having', faith is seen as a ready-made solution, a way to avoid questioning or forming personal beliefs, often relying on authority or fixed truths. On the other hand, in the 'mode of being', faith is about personal commitment, moral principles, and individual experience, not dependent on external authority.

What role does consumerism play in the 'mode of having'?

In the 'mode of having', consumerism is driven by the desire to accumulate more possessions, with the belief that acquiring more will lead to fulfillment. However, this creates a cycle where the more one consumes, the more one desires, leading to an endless, unsatisfying chase for material goods.

What is the issue with the modern perception of minimalism, according to the script?

The script critiques the current approach to minimalism, arguing that it has shifted from a philosophy of 'being' to a mode of 'having' or 'not having'. This shift makes minimalism dogmatic and rigid, with people focusing more on strict rules of ownership and aesthetics rather than its deeper, mindful principles.

How does the script connect the 'mode of having' to societal norms?

The 'mode of having' is deeply ingrained in societal norms, where people are encouraged to acquire more possessions and increase their social status. This leads to a culture that admires the rich and successful, placing value on material wealth and ownership as a measure of personal worth.

What does the script suggest about the fear of death and immortality?

The script suggests that the desire for immortality is rooted in the 'mode of having', driven by the biological instinct to survive and the need to leave a lasting legacy. This fear of death leads people to seek ways to preserve their identity, whether through physical possessions or social immortality in the form of fame or recognition.

How does the 'mode of being' affect human relationships and conversations?

In the 'mode of being', human relationships and conversations become more open and flexible. Rather than being focused on proving one’s own point, conversations transform into dialogues where different perspectives are welcomed and there is no need for anyone to be 'right'. It fosters a more creative and cooperative exchange of ideas.

What does the script suggest is the key to overcoming the fear of dying?

The key to overcoming the fear of dying, according to the script, is to live in the 'mode of being', which involves not treating life as a possession to be clung to. By embracing impermanence and letting go of the illusion of immortality, people can find peace and acceptance in the natural course of life.