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The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness Paperback – February 15, 1992

by Erich Fromm (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 213 ratings
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Renowned psychoanalyst and social philosopher Erich Fromm examines the causes and effects of people’s violent tendencies in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness.

In this provocative book, the distinguished author writes to break the deadlock argued about the roots of human nature by exploring the struggle between the instinctivism of Konrad Lorenz and behavior psychologist B. F. Skinner: are people inherently antagonistic or do people learn hostility from their environment and the actions of those around them?

Drawing from neurophysiology and anthropology studies and findings, Fromm presents fascinating ideas about how the human character and condition developed―and continues to develop―in contemporary society.

“A book by Erich Fromm is always intelligent and contains much of interest and insight, and this one is no exception.”―The New York Times

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    576 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 15, 1992
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    9780805016048
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0805016048
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“If any single work could bring mankind to its senses, this book might qualify for that miracle. . . . This book is the product of one of the most penetrating, most mature minds of our time.” ―Lewis Mumford

“In this perhaps most important of his pioneering theoretical works, the distinguished author writes with brilliant insight in attempting to break the deadlock in the struggle between the instinctivism of Konrad Lorenz . . . and behaviorist B.F. Skinner. He moves toward a provocative conclusion which involves a critical revision of Freud's theory of a "death instinct" in man. . . . Fromm's studies of Stalin and Himmler, and especially his penetrating psychobiography of Hitler, fascinatingy support his thesis.” ―Publisher's Weekly

“Rich and provocative . . . a major book from the pen of a major writer.” ―The Washington Post Book World

“Fromm is an original thinker. . . . His analysis of the causes of destructiveness is unique, and he has an enviable skill in the lucid presentation of intricate material.” ―Atlantic Monthly

“By far the best book I have ever read on the subject and by far the most absorbing.” ―Ashley Montagu

About the Author

Erich Fromm was a German-born American psychoanalyst and social philosopher who explored the interaction between psychology and society. His works include The Art of Loving, Escape from Freedom, and The Sane Society. He died in 1980.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 080501604X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Holt Paperbacks; Revised and Rev edition (February 15, 1992)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 576 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780805016048
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805016048
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.7 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1 x 8.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 213 ratings

About the author

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Erich Fromm

Erich Fromm

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Erich Seligmann Fromm (German: [fʀɔm]; March 23, 1900 – March 18, 1980) was a German social psychologist, psychoanalyst, sociologist, humanistic philosopher, and democratic socialist. He was associated with the Frankfurt School of critical theory.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Arturo Espinosa [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
213 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Richard E. Kuykendall
5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive work on Aggression
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
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This book was so comprehensive and used case studies like Hitler.
One person found this helpful
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JimmyK
5.0 out of 5 stars His thoughts are more relevant today than ever!
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2020
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I wish i read this book earlier in life. The philosophy and psychology of destructive behaviors you see around you and in yourself. So many levels and types of destructiveness which you don’t recognize and in turn can become the victim, or worse, become the agent of destruction. He debunks evolutionist, instinctivist, and behaviorist theories and replaces them with his own theory which makes the best psychological theory i’ve ever come across. Fromm is the most underrated thinker of the twentieth century. His thoughts are more relevant today than ever!
22 people found this helpful
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matt sinclair
4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2016
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The anthropological descriptions of some of the obscure cultures was completely fascinating to me! I had no idea such peaceful culture existed, nor culture that can be defined by suspicion, hostility, and treachery. Upon reflection you can see microcosm of these in modern society. You will definitely gain an ability to analyze people's behavior in an objective, historically reflective manner after reading this book by a psychoanalyst. His explanations of modern psychoanalysis (as altered from Freud's original theories and techniques) was completely unknown to me, having only taken intro psych class. It's much less suspect in validity than I thought (from the perspective of a science student.)
16 people found this helpful
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Marie Clewley
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic one of a kind, a must for your Social Psychology library.
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2018
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A classic one of a kind, this is a must for your Social Psychology library. This is the best study I have ever seen in applied personality theory, history and critical perspectives in this character analysis of the autism, sado-masochism and malignant destructiveness of Adolf Hitler and more.
9 people found this helpful
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Deborah W. Seigman
5.0 out of 5 stars I read this in the 1970's and was greatly impressed ...
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2015
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I read this in the 1970's and was greatly impressed, because I was a child during WWII and often wondered about how and why some personalities were so inhumane. As the years have gone by and our children have established families of their own, I have frequently referred to this book and finally bought one for our son, now a criminal defense lawyer. The writing is lucid, direct, and helpful.
18 people found this helpful
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Dmitri Medvedev
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book about the modern society
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2017
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I really liked this book because it presented in a very rigorous way the philosophy of the author. While this could be viewed just as another psychology “self-help” book, I believe that it stands far apart in its relevance, strength of analysis and rigor.
10 people found this helpful
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Galileo
3.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2013
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Good book, but outdated, it was good for 60's -70's. Fromm, makes many attacks on other important people like Freud, etc. Not everything he writes all there as well.
4 people found this helpful
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Carol E. Smaldino
5.0 out of 5 stars Very important for a perspective on history, which makes it very important...
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2015
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Erich Fromm is a wonderful contribution to anyone who is curious and wants to be so. He was a brilliant psychoanalyst. Here he gives us a perspective on human history, which emphasizes the role of capitalism as pushing unhappiness and domination of some groups by others.
I feel it's a must read for those interested in psychology, history and I guess life itself..
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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lunofila
5.0 out of 5 stars Molto interessante
Reviewed in Italy on October 15, 2021
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Il libro sembra nuovo, anche se l'ho acquistato usato. Per quanto riguarda il contenuto l'ho trovato molto interessante, l'inglese è semplice e comprensibilissimo, ogni pomeriggio leggo un po' di pagine e avrò compagnia a lungo, visto che è un libro molto alto. Davvero godibile, lo consiglio. Spedizione eccellente come sempre. Felicissima dell'acquisto.
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takao
4.0 out of 5 stars psychologie
Reviewed in France on March 20, 2019
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Bonne
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glen cochrane
5.0 out of 5 stars The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness
Reviewed in Canada on January 29, 2013
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Wow, what a book. Fromm just has so much to say on these subjects of human nature that touch into all aspects of culture, society and human life. The book certainly isn't as disjointed as this sounds, I think it's his subject matter that is so far-reaching that people form all walks of life can find worth in the things that Fromm discusses.

For Fromm, I think it's apparent that he's trying to make sense of WWII and how a man like Hitler could have done what he wanted to do. Not only is Fromm a brilliant man, but he has obviously gained from his experiences in the war, and is admirable trying to make sense of it all for the benefit of humankind. It's difficult to know about what to comment on in this book. It's deep, very long and sometimes difficult to get through, but it's so much worth it. His perspectives on human situation show how psychology can describe life in practical ways. It can help us make sense of an often nonsensical world. And, even in doing so, he often describes everyday concepts (for example, Freedom) in ways that fit what happens in our world.

This is a book I come back to often for inspiration and understanding. It's a book that can reach into anyone concerned with any type of human endeavor. It's a wonderful collection of thoughts and explanation.
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melanie k
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2019
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👌🏼
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helen
5.0 out of 5 stars A fresh insight
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2018
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I really enjoyed this book. Some parts however seem dated, and his theorising within a Freudian framework needs to be questioned or challenged. Also worth checking out Steven Pinker's book on violence.
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