“The analysis of the psychological motivations behind certain doctrines or ideas can never be a substitute for a rational judgment of the validity of the doctrine and of the values which it implies, although such analysis may lead to a better understanding of the real meaning of a doctrine and thereby influence one’s value judgment.What the psychological analysis of doctrines can show is the subjective motivations which make a person aware of certain problems and make him seek for answers in certain directions. Any kind of thought, true or false, if it is more than a superficial conformance with conventional ideas, is motivated by the subjective needs and interests of the person who is thinking. It happens that some interests are furthered by finding the truth, others by destroying it. But in both cases the psychological motivations are important incentives for arriving at certain conclusions. We can go even further and say that ideas which are not rooted in powerful needs of the personality will have little influence on the actions and on the whole life of the person concerned.”

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About Erich Fromm

German psychoanalyst and social philosopher of the mid-20th century, Erich Fromm was a leading figure in humanistic psychology. His work bridges psychology and sociology, exploring themes of love, freedom, and the human condition through concepts like "escape from freedom" and "the art of loving." He remains influential for his critiques of capitalism and his humanistic approach to mental health.

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"The analysis of the psychological motivations behind certain doctrine…" — Erich Fromm | Daily Quotes