Erich Fromm's “To Have or Be” calls for a change in society towards less materialism and more social and psychological values. The considerations in the book could offer entrepreneurs valuable insights for sustainable and meaningful business practice.
In “To Have or Be: The Emotional Foundations of a New Society,” Erich Fromm presents the confrontation between having and being as central forms of human existence. Fromm argues that our current society is characterized by the quest for ownership and materialism, which leads to alienation and dissatisfaction. He argues for a cultural shift towards being, a form of existence that focuses on authenticity and interpersonal relationships. For entrepreneurs and sales experts, the book could provide food for thought to explore business models beyond pure profit maximization and to highlight the importance of sustainable, meaningful products and services.