Man for Himself: An Inquiry Into the Psychology of Ethics

As a young idealistic college student protesting on behalf of humankind I was arrested on one occasion. And when they took all my "valuables" from me, I happened to have a copy of this book in my pocket. The police officer said, "Yeah, Every Man for Himself, that is just what we need more of in this country." And I said, this is not a book about every man acting out of personal greed and selfishness. This is a book about how Mankind could serve its own interest in trying to do good for one another. And he said "Yeah, yeah, yeah - put this butt-head in cell # 4." So as you can imagine this book has a significant personal memory for me. I will bet if I read it over today there is not that much that I would disagree with. I am now 65. Books written by Richard Noble - The Hobo Philosopher: "Hobo-ing America: A Workingman's Tour of the U.S.A.." "A Summer with Charlie" "A Little Something: Poetry and Prose" "Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother"

"There is no meaning to life except the meaning man gives his life by the unfolding of his powers." This sentence may be one of the most important themes in this wonderful book.

Along with Escape from Freedom and The Sane Society, this is one of Fromm's fundamental book. What you think about the world, life, love, etc..determines your behaviour; upon the validity of your judgement, your happiness and mental health depend. So being good is not longer a problem of heavens and God's grace, nor evil a problem of hell and fire. What it is ethically good develops life, happiness and health. Highly recommended.

This book is an unforgettable work that differently from the work of Freud has a simple way to discuss the human nature with great wisdom. Fromm talks about love, good, evil, ethics and with no pretense teaches remarkable lessons.