Seeking power over others is a way to escape freedom from "summary" of Escape from Freedom by Erich Fromm
The need to dominate others is a common response to the anxiety of freedom. When individuals are faced with the vast possibilities and responsibilities that freedom brings, they may feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate this new reality. In an attempt to escape this uncertainty, some people turn to seeking power over others as a way to assert control and establish a sense of security. By dominating others, individuals can create a sense of order and structure in their lives. This power dynamic allows them to feel superior and in control, alleviating the anxiety that comes with the ambiguity of freedom. Instead of facing their own insecurities and fears, they project them onto others and assert their dominance to mask their own vulnerabilities. Furthermore, seeking power over others provides a sense of belonging and identity. When individuals are able to exert control over others, they establish a hierarchy and position themselves at the top. This grants them a sense of importance and validates their existence, helping them feel secure in their place in the world. However, this pursuit of power ultimately leads to a cycle of dependence and insecurity. As individuals become more reliant on dominating others to escape their own anxieties, they lose sight of their true selves and become trapped in a constant struggle for control. This perpetual quest for power only serves to reinforce their feelings of inadequacy and perpetuates a cycle of fear and domination.- Seeking power over others as a means of escaping freedom is a futile pursuit that ultimately leads to more insecurity and dependence. Instead of embracing the challenges and possibilities that freedom offers, individuals who resort to domination only succeed in further entrenching themselves in a cycle of fear and control. In order to truly escape freedom, one must confront their anxieties and insecurities head-on, rather than seeking to assert power over others as a means of avoidance.
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