“Every crease is a story.”
An Inquiry into the Nature of Love
by Erich Fromm
Open Library readers: 3.74 / 5 from 42 ratings. Separate from ratings here.Catalogue checked 2026-10-02.
"The Art of Loving" (1956) is a seminal work by psychoanalyst and social philosopher Erich Fromm. In this book, Fromm explores the concept of love in a profound and comprehensive manner, arguing that love is not just a passive feeling but an art that requires practice, knowledge, and effort.
Through a detailed analysis, Fromm demystifies the idea that love is something that simply happens, proposing that it must be cultivated like any other skill. He divides love into different categories, including brotherly love, motherly love, erotic love, self-love, and love of God, discussing the characteristics and challenges of each.
Fromm also addresses the nature of love in modern society…
"The Art of Loving" (1956) is a seminal work by psychoanalyst and social philosopher Erich Fromm. In this book, Fromm explores the concept of love in a profound and comprehensive manner, arguing that love is not just a passive feeling but an art that requires practice, knowledge, and effort.
Through a detailed analysis, Fromm demystifies the idea that love is something that simply happens, proposing that it must be cultivated like any other skill. He divides love into different categories, including brotherly love, motherly love, erotic love, self-love, and love of God, discussing the characteristics and challenges of each.
Fromm also addresses the nature of love in modern society, criticizing the commercialization and superficiality of human relationships. He suggests that the true essence of love lies in the ability to give, to commit, and to genuinely care for the well-being of others, rather than seeking personal satisfaction alone.
In "The Art of Loving," Fromm combines psychological insights with philosophical and sociological analysis, offering a rich and multifaceted perspective on what it means to love. The book remains a relevant and inspiring read, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of developing the art of love in their lives.
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Bibliographic source: Open LibraryThe Art of Loving is by Erich Fromm. The catalogue records its first publication in 1956. A later edition may have a different publication date on its copyright page.
The catalogue records 138 pages for a representative edition. Pagination varies with the publisher, format, type size and translation, so check the edition you intend to read.
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Look for a copyArt of Loving
Open Road Integrated Media, Inc., 2013 / 133 pp.
ISBN 9781480402447
The Art of Loving
Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006 / 176 pp.
ISBN 9780061129735
The Art of Loving
Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006 / Paperback, 176 pp.
ISBN 9780061129735
The Art of Loving (Perennial Classics)
Harper Perennial, 2000 / 144 pp.
ISBN 9780060958282
The Art of Loving
Continuum International Publishing Group, 2000 / Hardcover, 130 pp.
ISBN 9780826412607
The Art of Loving (Perennial Classics)
Harper Perennial, 2000 / Paperback, 144 pp.
ISBN 9780060958282
The art of loving
Aquarian/Thorsons, 1993 / 109 pp.
ISBN 1855384108
The Art of Loving
Perennial, 1989 / 138 pp.
ISBN 9780060915940
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