S onu stranu okova iluzije: Moj susret s Marxom i Freudom

Published in 1962, the work Beyond the Chains of Illusion is one of Fromm's most personal and important theoretical achievements. In it, the author explains how two key thinkers of the 19th century – Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud – decisively shaped his intellectual development and proves that their theories are not opposed to each other, but deeply complement each other.

The main themes and highlights of the book include:

• Parallel between Marx and Freud: Fromm points out that both Marx and Freud were radical enlighteners who searched for the truth behind the facade of ideology and rationalization. Marx unmasked economic and social illusions (ideology), while Freud exposed psychological illusions and unconscious defense mechanisms.

• Critique of vulgar Marxism and orthodox Freudianism: Fromm strongly rejects the dogmatic interpretations of both thinkers. It shows that Marx was not an economic determinist who ignores the spiritual dimension of man, nor was Freud a biological reductionist blind to the influence of society.

• The concept of social character: The author emphasizes that true emancipation requires simultaneous liberation from economic alienation (Marx) and from irrational, unconscious passions (Freud).

The book offers a strong vision of humanistic socialism and a deep reflection on how modern man can gain freedom only when he breaks the double shackles of social and psychological illusions.