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by Robin Sharma
The classic guide to love
"The Art of Loving" by Erich Fromm explores the meaning and practice of love, arguing that it is not a feeling but an art that requires knowledge and effort to truly thrive. Fromm discusses the dynamic between individuals, society, and love, inviting readers to consider what it means to truly love and be loved.
What is love? An overwhelming sensation that we hope to experience? A chance encounter? All we need in life? While it can be all of these things, there’s more to love than passion and fate. Much like any other form of art, love must be learned.
And yet, most of us think there’s little to be learned about love. Why? Well, we assume that love gets complicated when it comes to receiving it. When relationships fail, we often blame ourselves: we simply weren’t lovable enough.
On top of this, we live in a culture of consumption, a culture that’s made love into just another commodity to be traded on the market. So we approach it with a market mindset. When two people fall in love, they feel that they’ve found the best object available on the market in light of their own exchange value.
Finally, we’re continually confusing the different states of love. Are we falling in love, or are we being in love? That sudden and stunning period of intimacy we feel after falling in love is often the result of sexual attraction. Yet, when it disappears, we often feel that love itself has disappeared, too!
These false conceptions of love must be overcome.
We can start doing this by changing our perspective on love – to learn it as we would learn to paint or play the piano. And just like painting or piano playing, it all starts with theory.
So, in the following blinks, let’s explore what the theory of love entails and how we can put that theory into action.
The Art of Loving (1956) argues that love, like any other creative art, is something humans must practice in order to master. German-born psychologist and philosopher Erich Fromm describes various forms of love and highlights threats posed to them by capitalist society.
The Art of Loving (1956) by Erich Fromm is a thought-provoking exploration of love and its complexities. Here's why this book is worth reading:
Is love an art? Then it requires knowledge and effort.
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of The Art of Loving?
The main message of The Art of Loving is that love is a skill that can be learned and developed through self-awareness, understanding, and practice.
How long does it take to read The Art of Loving?
The reading time for The Art of Loving varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Loving a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Loving is a thought-provoking book that offers valuable insights into the nature of love and relationships. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Art of Loving?
The author of The Art of Loving is Erich Fromm.