Skip to content

That man can destroy life is just as miraculous a feat as…

“That man can destroy life is just as miraculous a feat as that he can create it, for life is the miracle, the inexplicable. In the act of destruction, man sets himself above life; he transcends himself as a creature. Thus, the ultimate choice for a man, inasmuch as he is driven to transcend…” quote by Erich Fromm
Download Open image
“That man can destroy life is just as miraculous a feat as that he can create it, for life is the miracle, the inexplicable. In the act of destruction, man sets himself above life; he transcends himself as a creature. Thus, the ultimate choice for a man, inasmuch as he is driven to transcend himself, is to create or to destroy, to love or to hate.”

Erich Fromm

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human power to create or destroy reflects a deep moral choice; embracing creation aligns with life's inherent miracle.

In simple terms: Choose creation over destruction, honoring life's mystery.

Key Takeaway

Prefer creation, reject destruction.

Themes

ethics human nature choice

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution
  • artistic work

Key Concepts

creation destruction love hate

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your creative impulses?
  • How do you resist destructive urges?
A Different Perspective

Might oversimplify complex moral contexts.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Erich Fromm

Explore all 558 Erich Fromm quotes

More Choices quotes

Browse all 11,466 Choices quotes