Erich Fromm

Most people see the problem of love primarily as that of

being loved, rather than that of loving, of one's capacity to love.

this type of love is by its very nature not lasting.

The first step to take is to become aware that love is an art, just as living is an art; if we want to learn how to love we must proceed in the same way we have to proceed if we want to learn any other art, say music, painting, carpentry, or the art of medicine or engineering.

But while recognizing their separateness they remain strangers, because they have not yet learned to love each other (as is also made very clear by the fact that Adam defends himself by blaming Eve, rather than by trying to defend her). The awareness of human separation, without reunion by love—is the source of shame.

The advertising slogan of "it is different" shows up this pathetic need for difference, when in reality there is hardly any left.

Equality today means "sameness" rather than "oneness."

These are care, responsibility, respect and knowledge.

To love somebody is not just a strong feeling—it is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise.

Two persons thus fall in love when they feel they have found the best object available on the market, considering the limitations of their own exchange values. Often, as in buying real estate, the hidden potentialities which can be developed play a considerable role in this