Man has been freed from traditional authorities and has become an “individual”, but that at the same time he has become isolated, powerless, and an instrument of purposes outside himself, alienated from himself and others.

Freedom is always thought of as freedom from not freedom to.

We break away from the bond and security of our parents and we try to find ourselves, part of us wants to submit - so we do, to things like religion, god, the nation.

Inability to bear the isolation and weakness of one’s own self.

An interesting perspective of the sadomasochistic tendencies of Germany during the Nazi era.

Enjoyed the sections on children and our stifling of their individuality.

Really excellent read for those aware of their own consciousness and how it is shaped by the society we live in - questions about what we really think and feel and want, versus what we are told to think and feel and want, and whether or not we can recognize the difference.