Quote by Erich Fromm, The Sane Society
That man can destroy life is just as miraculous a feat as that he can create it, for life is the miracle, the inexplicable. In the act of destruction, man sets himself above life; he transcends himself as a creature. Thus, the ultimate choice for a man, inasmuch as he is driven to transcend himself, is to create or to destroy, to love or to hate.
Summary
This quote suggests that the ability for humans to both create and destroy life is a remarkable and astounding power. Life itself is seen as miraculous and unexplainable. When a person engages in acts of destruction, they elevate themselves above life and surpass their own existence as mere creatures. Therefore, the essential decision for an individual is to either create or destroy, to express love or hate. It implies that humans have a choice in how they use their transcendental potential and highlights the importance of their actions.
Topics
Destruction
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