Answers Quote by Erich Fromm
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm, 1956
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.
