Skip to content

Feeling lonely Quote by Erich fromm

“A person who has not been completely alienated, who has remained sensitive and able to feel, who has not lost the sense of dignity, who is not yet "for sale", who can still suffer over the suffering of others, who has not acquired fully the having mode of existence - briefly, a person who has…” quote by Erich fromm
Download Open image
““A person who has not been completely alienated, who has remained sensitive and able to feel, who has not lost the sense of dignity, who is not yet "for sale", who can still suffer over the suffering of others, who has not acquired fully the having mode of existence - briefly, a person who has remained a person and not become a thing - cannot help feeling lonely, powerless, isolated in present-day society. He cannot help doubting himself and his own convictions, if not his sanity. He cannot help suffering, even though he can experience moments of joy and clarity that are absent in the life of his "normal" contemporaries. Not rarely will he suffer from neurosis that results from the situation of a sane man living in an insane society, rather than that of the more conventional neurosis of a sick man trying to adapt himself to a sick society. In the process of going further in his analysis, i.e. of growing to greater independence and productivity,his neurotic symptoms will cure themselves.””

Erich fromm

About This Quote

Source Book: The Sane Society by Erich Fromm, 1955

A sensitive, dignified person feels isolated in a society that dehumanizes, leading to doubt and neurosis, but personal growth can heal these symptoms.

In simple terms: Feeling human in a dehumanizing world causes loneliness and doubt.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate independence to alleviate neurotic distress.

Themes

loneliness identity societal pressure mental health

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • therapy
  • social critique
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

existentialism humanism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society shape personal sanity?
  • What steps foster independence?
A Different Perspective

Neurosis may persist despite growth; external support may be needed.

3.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Erich fromm

Explore all 558 Erich fromm quotes

More Feeling lonely quotes

Browse all 501 Feeling lonely quotes