The anatomy of human destructiveness
(Book)

Book Cover
Average Rating
Published
New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1973., New York : Holt, Rinehart and Winston, [1973].
Edition
First edition.
Physical Desc
xvi, 521 pages ; 24 cm.
Status

Description

Loading Description...

Also in this Series

Checking series information...

Copies

LocationCall NumberStatus
Canon City Public Library - NONFICTION152.5 FROOn Shelf

More Like This

Loading more titles like this title...

More Copies In Prospector

Loading Prospector Copies...

More Details

Published
New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1973., New York : Holt, Rinehart and Winston, [1973].
Format
Book
Edition
First edition.
Language
English

Notes

Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 479-498) and index.
Description
How can we explain man's lust for cruelty? In a world in which violence seems to be increasing, social philosopher Erich Fromm has treated this haunting question with depth and scope in the most original and far-reaching work of his brilliant career. Fromm goes beyond the controversy between instinctivists like Lorenz, who argue that man's destructiveness has been inherited from his animal ancestors, and behaviorists like Skinner, who maintain that there are no innate human traits since everything is the result of social conditioning. Conceding that there is a kind of aggression which man shares with animals, Fromm shows that it is defensive in nature, designed to insure survival. On the other hand, malignant aggression, or destructiveness, in which man kills without biological or social purpose, is peculiarly human and not instinctive; it is one of the passions, like ambition or greed. Drawing on findings of neurophysiology, prehistory, anthropology, and animal psychology, Fromm presents a global and historical study of human destructiveness that enables readers to evaluate the data for themselves. Although deeply indebted to Freud, Fromm emphasizes social and cultural factors as well. Destructiveness is seen in terms of the dreams and associations of many patients, and of historical figures such as Stalin--an extreme example of sadism; Himmler--an example of the bureaucratic-sadistic character; and Hitler.--From publisher description.

Reviews from GoodReads

Loading GoodReads Reviews.

Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

Fromm, E. (1973). The anatomy of human destructiveness (First edition.). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Fromm, Erich, 1900-1980. 1973. The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Fromm, Erich, 1900-1980. The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1973.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

Fromm, Erich. The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness First edition., Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1973.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

Staff View

Loading Staff View.