Possession There Are

"To have or to be?" This question is a significant issue in the modern life. It’s also an implied clue of Fromm’s social critical theory and his practice. This article firstly discuss those two modes of existence——the having mode and the being mode. From which we dug up the premises of this theory. They are the principles of humanitarianism, theory of alienation and social character. On this basis we can pointed out the purpose of his theory:social criticism and salvation——the establishments of new man and new society. His theory about human nature is an essential thought. The inherent contradiction in human nature is the primary cause of the opposition between the two modes of existence. And the initiative and creativity in the human nature will eliminate the opposition, to finally abandoning the "having mode" and establish a "being mode".The main purpose of the dissertation is to discuss Fromm’s theory of modes of existence and does a relatively comprehensive consolidation work. At the same time, the article stands in the position of Marxism to criticize his theory. His theory of existence mainly involves three aspects:first, anglicizing the human nature and the human condition. Second, anglicizing the social status, especially criticizing the sick social. Third, providing solutions to heal society and saving human beings. These three aspects are also the whole work of his social philosophy. Although there are some biased in Fromm’s theory, but his efforts to comprehensive Marx’s historical materialism and Freud’s psychoanalysis can not be neglected. His efforts may give us a new perspective that applications of Marxism analysis of contemporary social issues.