To Have or to Be?

TO HAVE OR TO BE? is a philosophical and psychological book in which Erich Fromm analyses how people live and what truly makes them happy.

In this book, Fromm compares two modes of existence:

• "Having" – a life focused on wealth, status, control and owning material things.
• "Being" – a life focused on experience, love, creativity, freedom and personal growth.

The author argues that modern society has become very materialistic and that people often measure their worth by what they possess, not by who they are as individuals. In his view, this way of life brings anxiety, emotional emptiness and a lack of real satisfaction.

The book invites readers to reflect on their lives, relationships and the way they seek happiness. "To Have or to Be?" remains a very relevant work for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and modern society.