Another man Quote by Erich Fromm
““Equality as a condition for the development of individuality was also the meaning of the concept in the philosophy of the Western Enlightenment. It meant (most clearly formulated by Kant) that no man must be the means for the ends of another man. That all men are equal inasmuch as they are ends, and only ends, and never means to each other. Following the ideas of the Enlightenment, Socialist thinkers of various schools defined equality as abolition of exploitation, of the use of man by man, regardless of whether this use were cruel or “human.” In””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sane Society by Erich Fromm, 1955
Equality is essential for individual development; each person must be treated as an end, not a means, rejecting exploitation.
In simple terms: People must be valued for themselves, not used for others.
Key Takeaway
Respect others as ends, not tools.
Themes
equality
individuality
human dignity
exploitation
enlightenment
Mood
reflective
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- workplace policies
- education curricula
- social movements
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Kantian ethics
humanism
socialist critique
freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure equality translates into everyday practice?
- What barriers keep people from being treated as ends?
A Different Perspective
Equality alone does not guarantee justice; power structures may persist.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
