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We try to evade the question of existence with property…

“We try to evade the question of existence with property, prestige, power, possession, production, fun, and, ultimately, by trying to forget that we- that I- exist. No matter how much he thinks of God or goes to church, or how much he believes in religious ideas , if he, the whole man, is deaf to…” quote by Erich Fromm
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“We try to evade the question of existence with property, prestige, power, possession, production, fun, and, ultimately, by trying to forget that we- that I- exist. No matter how much he thinks of God or goes to church, or how much he believes in religious ideas , if he, the whole man, is deaf to the question of existence, if he does not have an answer to it, he is marking time, and he lives and dies like one of the million things he produces. He thinks of God, instead of experiencing God.”

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.

It warns that chasing material and social distractions masks the deeper existential question of being.

In simple terms: People avoid confronting existence by focusing on possessions and status.

Key Takeaway

Face existential questions directly.

Themes

existentialism materialism spirituality

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily life
  • career
  • relationships
  • religious practice

Key Concepts

authenticity meaning self-awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What distractions keep you from deeper self‑reflection?
  • How can you integrate meaning beyond material success?
A Different Perspective

Ignoring existence can lead to a hollow, unfulfilled life.

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