Scan barcode
A review by morgan_blackledge
The Forgotten Language: An Introduction to the Understanding of Dreams, Fairy Tales, and Myths by Erich Fromm
4.0
The Forgotten Language is Erich Fromm’s elucidation of the symbolic structure of dreams, fairytales and myth.
Fromm refutes the notion that there is a concrete, decodable language of symbols in dreams and myth.
According to Fromm, the specific meaning of said symbolic material is deeply personal and influenced by culture and epoch.
But the broader point that dreams, fairytales and myth have symbolic value is, for Fromm, a natural fact.
Fromm begins with a didactic on the history and theories of dream analysis, paying special (but not exclusive) attention to the ideas of Freud.
Fromm asserts that by understanding the symbolic value of dreams, we not only achieve a clearer vision into our individual nature, but more generally speaking, we gain a deeper understanding of the myths, art, and literature that serve as the psychological fundament of all human culture.
Perhaps most importantly, we gain explicit access to the desires and fears that we, and our society at large work tirelessly to repress, but desperately need to experience and integrate in order to awaken and become truly free.
Why 4 stars?
It’s a little tedious.
Maybe I’m simply suffering from a bit of Fromm Fatigue (FF).
That being said.
Great book
Fromm refutes the notion that there is a concrete, decodable language of symbols in dreams and myth.
According to Fromm, the specific meaning of said symbolic material is deeply personal and influenced by culture and epoch.
But the broader point that dreams, fairytales and myth have symbolic value is, for Fromm, a natural fact.
Fromm begins with a didactic on the history and theories of dream analysis, paying special (but not exclusive) attention to the ideas of Freud.
Fromm asserts that by understanding the symbolic value of dreams, we not only achieve a clearer vision into our individual nature, but more generally speaking, we gain a deeper understanding of the myths, art, and literature that serve as the psychological fundament of all human culture.
Perhaps most importantly, we gain explicit access to the desires and fears that we, and our society at large work tirelessly to repress, but desperately need to experience and integrate in order to awaken and become truly free.
Why 4 stars?
It’s a little tedious.
Maybe I’m simply suffering from a bit of Fromm Fatigue (FF).
That being said.
Great book