In this timeless book, Eric Fromm takes a positive view of Mankind's ability to govern oneself through understanding the dynamics of both authoritarian ethics and humanist ethics. Following are some of the highlights of his book.

In the authoritarian system of ethics, an authority states what is good for humankind as lays down the laws and norms of conduct. It denies a person's capability to know what is good or bad because the norm-giver is always an authority transcending and exploiting the individual. It ordains obedience to be the main virtue and disobedience the main sin.

In contrast, the humanistic system of ethics is based on using our innate and acquired ability to reason, our own power to love, and on our ability to live productively. Fromm considers productiveness an intrinsic human faculty which can give meaning to our life.

To love one's neighbor is not a phenomenon transcending mankind. It is something inherent in and radiating from all of us. Love is not a higher power which descends upon us, nor a duty which is imposed upon us. It is our own power by which we relate to the world anb make it truly ours.

The nature of all life is to preserve and affirm its own existence. The first duty of an organism is "to be alive" and is the same as the duty "to be oneself." This is a dynamic concept. human strivings are what distinguish us from other animals. We strive for the experience of harmony and unity to make productive use of our own powers by removing obstacles in ourselves and our environment. There is a human need for devotion. Man cannot live without faith. The question is whether this faith will be an irrational faith in leaders, machines, and success. Or the rational faith in mankind based on the experience of our own productive observing, thinking, and experiencing to free ourselves to BE ourselves and for ourselves.

We have to be hopeful regarding the future of mankind. However, there is one qualification for success--that we realize the decision rests with us. It rests upon our ability to take ourselves, our life, and happiness seriously; and on our willingness to face our own and society's moral problems. The future rests upon mankind's courage to be himself and for himself.

--Nancy Moore