Question

why according to fromm is freedom not simply a cherished ideal but a profound psychological problem?

Answer 1

According to Fromm, freedom poses to be a profound psychological psychological problem for us as it leads to a sense of anxiety and powerlessness. During the era of the pre-individualistic society, we were bound by several social obligations but these limitations gave us a sense of security and comfort. We fought for realising the ideals of freedom and although freedom came with independence and rationality, it was also accompanied by isolation, anxiety and meaninglessness. This isolation, in Fromm’s view is unbearable and we are now confronted with two alternatives. We can either escape from the burden of this freedom by buying into new dependencies and submission, or to advance to the full realisation of positive freedom.