Anxiety Quote by Erich Fromm
““Each new step into his new human existence is frightening. It always means to give up a secure state, which was relatively known, for one which is new, which one has not yet mastered. Undoubtedly, if the infant could think at the moment of the severance of the umbilical cord, he would experience the fear of dying. A loving fate protects us from this first panic. But at any new step, at any new stage of our birth, we are afraid again. We are never free from two conflicting tendencies: one to emerge from the womb, from the animal form of existence into a more human existence, from bondage to freedom; another, to return to the womb, to nature, to certainty and security.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm, 1956
Each new phase of personal growth feels scary because it requires leaving familiar security for unknown possibilities, echoing the infant’s fear of separation.
In simple terms: Growth feels scary because it means leaving comfort.
Key Takeaway
Embrace discomfort to grow.
Themes
growth
fear
security
transformation
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career change
- starting a new relationship
- learning a new skill
- moving to a new city
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
human development
Questions to Reflect On
- What security are you clinging to?
- How can you turn fear into motivation?
A Different Perspective
Comfort can become a trap that prevents progress.
