The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (Paperback)

by Erich Fromm (Author) "I will forgo presenting here a history of instinct theory as the reader can find it in many textbooks..." (more)
Key Phrases: vital impotence, malignant incestuousness, necrophilous person, New York, World War, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"If any single work could bring mankind to its senses, this book might qualify for that miracle. . . . This book is the product of one of the most penetrating, most mature minds of our time."--Lewis Mumford

"In this perhaps most important of his pioneering theoretical works, the distinguished author writes with brilliant insight in attempting to break the deadlock in the struggle between the instinctivism of Konrad Lorenz . . . and behaviorist B.F. Skinner. He moves toward a provocative conclusion which involves a critical revision of Freud's theory of a "death instinct" in man. . . . Fromm's studies of Stalin and Himmler, and especially his penetrating psychobiography of Hitler, fascinatingy support his thesis."--Publisher's Weekly

"Rich and provocative . . . a major book from the pen of a major writer."--the Washington Post Book World

"Fromm is an original thinker. . . . His analysis of the causes of destructiveness is unique, and he has an enviable skill in the lucid presentation of intricate material."--Atlantic Monthly

"By far the best book I have ever read on the subject and by far the most absorbing."—Ashley Montagu

"A work of broad scope and prodigious scholarship . . . immensely instructive and stimulating."
-- Review

Review

"If any single work could bring mankind to its senses, this book might qualify for that miracle. . . . This book is the product of one of the most penetrating, most mature minds of our time."--Lewis Mumford"In this perhaps most important of his pioneering theoretical works, the distinguished author writes with brilliant insight in attempting to break the deadlock in the struggle between the instinctivism of Konrad Lorenz . . . and behaviorist B.F. Skinner. He moves toward a provocative conclusion which involves a critical revision of Freud's theory of a "death instinct" in man. . . . Fromm's studies of Stalin and Himmler, and especially his penetrating psychobiography of Hitler, fascinatingy support his thesis."--Publisher's Weekly"Rich and provocative . . . a major book from the pen of a major writer."--the Washington Post Book World"Fromm is an original thinker. . . . His analysis of the causes of destructiveness is unique, and he has an enviable skill in the lucid presentation of intricate material."--Atlantic Monthly"By far the best book I have ever read on the subject and by far the most absorbing."—Ashley Montagu"A work of broad scope and prodigious scholarship . . . immensely instructive and stimulating."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (February 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080501604X
• ISBN-13: 978-0805016048
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,373 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Butler did it!, January 30, 1998

By	[e-mail] (USA, CT) - See all my reviews

Fromm's text discussing and analyizing human destructiveness through comparisson and psycholanalysis. From Konrad Lorenz to B.F. Skinner to Stanley Milgram. Covering agression theories; behaviorism; narcissism; and necrophilia. Giving fairly objective views of all and conluding with a wonderful psychoanalysis of Adolf Hitler defining his as a malignant necrophiliac. (Need to be read to fully understand those implications; can be misleading). The book was written well enough for just about anyone to read without it ever becoming dry. Invaluble reference as well! A very thorough read without being overwhelmed, Fromm has definately understood, probably better than most, human nature and human destructiveness.

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a destructive culture, not a destructive species, September 1, 2003

By	Derrick Jensen (Crescent City, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I encountered this book in 1988 or so, and it changed my life. It is I think Fromms best and most important book. This is the book that first let me know that the violence of the dominant culture is not biological in its origin.

The book is centered around the question, obviously, of why humans commit atrocities. Fromm begins this book by exploring many of the theories, such as the notion that we are biologically overdetermined to be so violent. But he conclusively shows that cannot be the case. He then gives examples of nonviolent cultures, and explores why these cultures are the way they are. He then concludes with a powerful and detailed exploration of Hitler, showing how Hitler manifests the essence of this awful civilization that is killing the planet. A powerful book that helped form the foundations of my thinking.

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ FOR PSYCH TYPES, March 23, 1999

By A Customer

The photo of Hitler unable to pull his eyes away from adecaying corpse is alone worth the price of admission. As this was aBook of the Month Club "featured selection" about 25 years ago, Pr. Fromm explores the dark side of humanity, from ego-centrism, to our twisted love of death. Hurtful at times, addressing basal issues most of us would rather deny, this is a truly life-changing volume. Fromm discusses our vanity and obsessions so objectively, we can actually wade through it without getting mad. A Freudian Delight!