Origins of minimalism: “To Have or to Be?” by Erich Fromm

Reviewing “To Have or To Be?” by Erich Fromm (1976) and chatting about how unbelievably relevant it is and why it has so much more to offer than the usual concept of minimalism.
Thank you for watching, my friends!
You can support me as a creator (or grab some free printable postcards with my collages) here: www.buymeacoffee.com/siberia....
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The promised links:
www.erichfromm.net/
www.nytimes.com/1972/02/27/ar...
www.themarginalian.org/2015/1...
infed.org/mobi/erich-fromm-fr...
❤️From Siberia with love,
Your Ana(stasia)

[@anagoldberg]

Do you like the book review format? Please be honest, I'll happily listen to your critique and suggestions ❤️

[@judithrussell9162]

The mixture of your discourse and analysis, the images and the inclusion of quotations from the author and others is perfect for me.

[@catherinepatterson4720]

Yes. It was very good Ana. I’m in agreement with the previous comment (by Judith Russell). You provided a good mixture. I have a copy of the book. I bought it not long after you initially mentioned the book. I look forward to reading it & reading the information in the links you provided about Erich Fromm. Thank you 📚

[@jellokween1680]

@@itsjustmechristine9946 absolutely, Thankyou.

[@MurmilloTV1]

It is very good. What do you think of Julian Jaynes?

[@tayskye6]

I was honestly nervous about the length, but am glad I watched. Very thought provoking. My only regret is that we all can’t all sit down over a cup of tea and talk it through together. Thanks for sharing your perspectives and curiosity. I will be picking up this book (I always feel the need to have my own copy of books, so maybe I’ll start my experiment in “being” by renting it from the library instead). Would definitely watch more of these videos.

[@windycraft8215]

I once worked in a corporation world, it was the biggest lesson I had in life, how people can be competitive, for the sake of extra money, validation from superior, can be extremely cruel and hypocritical, unfortunately they are brainwashed by society which preach them have more and more, no matter how. I am happy that there are left a few beautiful soul people like you and I guess your audience who don't lose their own opinion, and can understand and see where this greediness and consuption leads humanity. Stay safe ♥️♥️♥️

[@anagoldberg]

Ugh, I had a corporate job experience too, a couple of them, and they were not the most pleasant ones as well:) Yep, people are mostly forced to act like that and it's sad... Thank you for being here, my friend ⭐

[@christinaoldham6614]

To add a little about the topic of reading quantity. I used to not care how many books I read annually, but since I've gotten older (I'm now 66), I suddenly look at my wonderful big library at home where many books haven't been read yet, and realize that my time is limited. I may never get to some of them before I die. It's a strange thought, and it's made me want to read more in quantity. Yes, I realize, it's a "have" mindset, but since I love books and reading, I want to devote a lot of my time to that activity.

[@anagoldberg]

I think it's a great intention and I think in your place I would do the same. It's meaningful....

[@johnhaggerty4396]

@@anagoldberg My time is running out, Christina: I rescinded my TV licence and resist most movies in order to read. The other day I read Al Alvarez's preface to Laurence Sterne's A Sentimental Journey, a single copy of the magazine Dedalus (1970s) (which I found in a secondhand bookstore) and Freud's Converts by Vicki Clifford a psychotherapist. Rereading Louis MacNeice sent me back to *The Auden Generation* by Samuel Hynes. I am halfway through David Copperfield, almost at the end of John Bew's biography of Clement Atlee, and a third of the way through Lionel Barber's diaries as editor of the Financial Times, The Powerful and the Damned. I want to reread Hardy's Jude the Obscure, and I have new paperback novels by Bae Suah (Untold Night and Day) and Cristina Rivera Garza (The Iliac Crest) and a sci-fi novel A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine. I purchased 5 books by Ian Stewart on mathematics and have stacks of books on 20th Century history: 1914 to the Cold War.

[@laurac2783]

Lately reading became a crazy race (like traveling, or shopping, etc, etc) when people just swallow the biggest quantity they can in order to post it on social media to impress others. It has nothing to do with reading the books you have on your shelf, the books you want to read and you are longing for, it's really about the quantity - oh, this month I have only 4 books, and only one day left, OMG I need to find quickly some short stories otherwise I have nothing to post and people will think, I'm a failure! It has nothing to do with the feeling of limited time on Earth, simple hot dog eating competition.

[@noonereally4798]

Aa a poor person I’ve always taken the idea of “money can’t buy happiness” to be a cope for the pain of not even having basic needs met always, but as I’ve met more upper class people, I can’t help but notice how still unhappy they are, working long hours to death, to buy new things they have no time to enjoy or use, and that’s no way to live, so as it were, the truth is somewhere in the middle as usual, I have yet to meet a happy homeless person, or a happy rich person, the right amount of things to have seems to be having just enough.

[@anagoldberg]

It's so true, no extremes can make us happy. Probably, it's about what we build our reality around - if it money (or its absence) or any other material thing, we won't found our true, happy self.

[@markusskand9773]

Yes I've lived in NY, NY since '89 and have seen so much come and go. Folks outside of the system here often get a fantasy view of how great it is , but it can be a total trap , a total treadmill of work/ acheivement/ superficial doing things to 'appear' and look successful, "a guilding of the shithouse ', balance /harmony is the key and self honesty/ authenticity and service in what we do. the Japanese have a great asthetic philisophy in Zen , which i emulate as much as possible: "LESS >IS < MORE" is true. this is the beautiful way to live... the Bushido/warrior way to live... to travel thru life with a light load.

[@paulijooste3010]

Dear Ana & Darling Ulysses xxx THANK YOU so much for this absolutely BRILLIANT chat. The timing of this chat is absolutely perfect as I'm busy "dusting off" so many bad habits and thought patterns that have been weighing me down for so many years and this video just sheds so much light on life. AND SEEING Darling Ulysses - just purrrrrrrrrfect for a Monday xxx Wishing you both an absolutely wonderful week filled with light and love and purrrrrrrrrs and coffee and books xxx

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching us (Ulysses and me), dear Pauli 🌸 I'm so glad the video was on time for you. Wishing you the best week too! 🌞

[@nanetten6238]

I'm not one to live by "mottos", but I saw a bumper sticker years ago that has become my philosophy in life: "Live simply, so that others can simply live. " It feels like my whole life is a search for what really matters, and what it takes to be a better person. I fall short much of the time, but I continue to try. Thank you for such a thoughtful book review. The world is a scary place (even more so lately), and we all need to "be" and to see and acknowledge the beauty in life and each other. And yes, the book review format is wonderful. Please continue. I will be reading Erich Fromm's book in the meantime. Sending warmth and sunshine to you and Ulysses from Florida!

[@anagoldberg]

Oh, I love this motto! It's so accurate. Thank you for being here, dear Nanette. Ulysses and I sending warm hugs to Florida 💖

[@nanetten6238]

@@Cynthia-uf9ro I also live in Fort Myers, and that's a great idea!

[@mysenf3575]

When my man, a russian, I am a german psychologist, tried to read the book he did not understand the construct from 'have' or 'be', because the russian language is very different in the construction of the verbs. You had no difficulties to understand the truth of this book. Great job

[@anagoldberg]

Oh, it's is so flattering to hear this from a psychologist💚 Thank you, my friend.

[@michaelsteinrotter2016]

The reading of this text some 15 years ago was the beginning of a complete transformation of my life. Fromm, also with his other works, is a hallmark of western sociology discovering that which eastern wisdom knows and practices since thousands of years. Thank you for this video.

[@sarahsiskin6780]

I read this book years ago. It amazes me that the message still rings true 50 years later.

[@Jesper-bl2ns]

Me too. It's one of the many books that had an actual impact on me in my teens. I wasn't the normal kind of teen in the 70's & 80's. Most of my time outside of school was spent in the library. My best friends from age 8 to 20 was 2 older librarians.

[@1rm2]

Whenever I get bogged down by the consumerism (& resultant chaos and clutter) I see around me in friends, family and others, I love to watch your videos. They are so sane and sensible. I get reminded of what sanity really is. Also, thanks for having Ulysses back in the videos in the background ! 😀

[@lidiaadobato7822]

Hi Aba, just a brief thought beforeI I go out =). The answer to some of our doubts is lying behind you all along your talk, Animals never reject having what they need, When they have enough they can go on enjoying their lives. Of course a lot can be said about the diferences between culture and the wild state, and so on. Still there's a little something there. No bird has two nests. Love, I enjoyed your review.

[@anagoldberg]

Haha, this is a wonderful remark, Lidia! 😊 Thank you!

[@madamemaigret1508]

That was such a fascinating talk! I must listen to it again and read up on Fromm. Thank you for your insights ❤️

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching and resonating, my friend!💖

[@simonawettel6366]

You are one of a kind, Ana! Always such a joy when you post another story... A warm hug!

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much, dear Simona 🌸🤗

[@sarkazemanova1563]

I bought this book right after you had mentioned it in some older video. I have read about a half until now. It is unbelievable how it decribes my previous life in the "to have" mode and my change in almost "to be" mode I am living now. Thanks for sharing this book, I have found myself in it!:-)

[@ThuyTran-ci2et]

I have been a minimalist for sometime and also love Eric Fromm. Never put the two together until seeing your video. Thanks!

[@jonlouis2582]

Very interesting analysis. Herr Fromm lived nearby here for almost 20 years. As a student I resented being forced to study so much of this material, now as an adult I love it!

[@stevedeininger8049]

Love the format - ordered several of Fromm's books from my local library - until your video had never given him a passing thought - thanks Anna.

[@christinehogue2062]

Creating a ballance in between being and having is something achievable if we apply ourselves. Hobbies and interests help us grow as well as bringing fun and contentment and the realization that we can be our unique selves brings us to a place where being is also being ourselves. Like the saying says: To thine own self be true - is the foundational building block for self-fulfiklment,peace and often a lot of happiness. That's what I think and thank you, Ana, for helping us to stop and think about these all-important concepts so we can be well-rounded and healthy people - you are making a difference, with your videos in a powerful way and that is great!!!

[@isaurasousa9223]

What a privilege to hear from you! So many amazing ideas and so similar to what I think. ❤️

[@darbyh.8255]

I so enjoy your channel! I picked up this book from the library as soon as you mentioned you were reading and it was full of “ aha!”moments. Your book review was wonderful and you should be so proud of yourself and everything you offered on your channel. You’re so enjoyable to listen to and so considerate of your viewers. I hope you are enjoying being a creator as much as I enjoy being your subscriber!🤗

[@anagoldberg]

Aww, so sweet of you to say this, my friend! 🤗 I'm lucky to be part of this fantastic community. It's a joy 💚

[@markusskand9773]

Speciba Ana! Thank you for your great Depth xoxo if moving to Siberia makes one so wise, clear, and simply content , I think it makes Siberia super attractive ! . Your command of English is better than 80% of Americans! - your work shows. You've successfully ( Fromm's book) has described the shadow of Western Culture , especially America's out-of-balance blatant consumerism & ( Capitalism's 'Sins" ) , and more folks should know his book. I cleaned my kitchen while listening to your EXCELLENT Book review format, you are such a pleasure for my mind, heart and spirit, >> "YOUR CHANNEL ROCKS!"

[@anagoldberg]

Aww, Markus, thank you for being sweet, kind, and supportive! Smiling big now 😊 So glad you liked the video.

[@cinnamonrose5599]

Thank you for these cozy conversations on these cold winter days. Taking time to think & consider life in the context of community such as this "discussion group" feels so satisfying. I try to be less "busy" & instead be more mindful these days. Thank you for sharing yourself & your views Ana. 💖❄💖

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for being here, my dear friend 💖 I'm so glad the channel brings you some comfort 🤗

[@sweetdistin]

Thank you so much for all of that Ana. It was a thoughtful, intelligent and compassionate review. I will watch again later. Sending much love to you in these difficult times.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much for your kind words ⭐

[@shaktiasise5191]

Thank you for this video, which affects me emotionally as I’m actually in a process of thinking and feeling what should be really the essence of my life. No doubt about the fact that being instead of having is the incontrovertible key to this question, I feel the difficulty to trust in just being, or better focus on being and to let things (having) easily go, although I’m really not that material person. But life is a journey and I keep on walking. Luckily there are other people walking around like you are, Ana. All the best for you.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching, my friend! You be you and trust your feelings, if you're not attached to the material stuff too much, you will surely choose the right way 😊

[@sraluca7156]

"We believe that the more we have, the more we exist" :) this. Never heard the reality being described in this way. Thank you, Ana.

[@petravazanska5707]

Thank you Anna. Life gave me a big slap last week. I wanted to be the best at my job, have the cleanest home, buy too many things and became quite proud. Suddenly I fell very ill and made a huge burn out. Now I am happy I can at least return to work and do minimum. I feel so thankful that I can just enjoy fresh air, sun. I feel being punished for my vanity. Now I just want to return to the time where I was very poor and had nothing and was happy. I hope I will change for better.

[@anagoldberg]

Dear Petra, I'm sorry for the hard time you had to go through... But please don't think of what happened as a punishment, let it be a reminder of what's important. 💚 Hope you'll feel so much better soon. Sending love and support to you 🤗

[@christianemichelberger8245]

Thank you for discussing this wonderful book, Ana, I loved your review. Mixing in the beautiful paintings was a great idea too! It took me back into another era of my life. When the book came out, I was in my 20s. This book and Thoreau‘s „Walden“ became my guidelines for life. When you talked about taking pictures for owning the view, I remembered that these were my thoughts too when I went on a many year long spiritual quest with just a suitcase and a bag. I hardly have any pictures of that time but a lot of fond memories.

[@katarinasimoncicova4766]

Your videos relax me so much! 🙏🏻🌷And you are so right about setting up quantity of books that one will read in specific time. Those people who do it are all about quantity rather than quality and enjoying the reading! It is just a trend and people try to compete in everything nowadays which is so unnatural! This world needs to slow down in my opinion and people need to reconnect with their selfs and their true needs rather than compete all the time.

[@anagoldberg]

I agree with you, Katarina, the world definitely needs to slow down! Thank you so much for watching and sharing 💚🌸

[@katarinasimoncicova4766]

@@anagoldberg ❤️🌷

[@annekramer6740]

That’s a lot to digest and will take watching the video many times for me to comprehend. Fascinating insights, thanks for shaking me up!

[@fawnfawn]

While I agree it is absolutely important and meaningful to digest and ruminate on what you've read, there are also benefits that you might not actively think or notice from just reading in itself. Exposure to new ways of phrasing, new linguistic tactics, just new thoughts and images running through your brain that might not be the "big topics" of the book itself. So I think we need all kinds of reading and multiple types of content.

[@SR-fe8pq]

Thank you so much Ana! for all your videos, for being you etc... Greetings from Belgium xxx

[@investertiger3777]

I am working on a book in the subject of love and his material gives me much to reflect on.

[@laurah8689]

Just want to send so much love your way ❤❤ you're going through such a big, turbulent time right now and I am mindful of that.

[@terryanglerosanchez9054]

Thankyou for yor review. Ive read 3 books of Fromm. Now this one interests me!!! Love from Puerto Rico🌺

[@anagoldberg]

Hope you'll enjoy it, my friend! Hugs to Puerto Rico 🤗💚

[@jeanmeierbachtol6154]

Ana I love the points you made the difference between having and being is so profound and the more we are in the being frame of mind the more content and joyful we will be I thought your illustration of just enjoying a sunset compared to feeling you need to photograph it is so true. I’d much rather be in the moment and totally absorbing it within my being than feeling it needs to be documented thank you in going to read this book myself hopefully in the near future

[@ChrisSaenz13]

I'm so grateful to Money Mom for referring me to your channel! This book/life discussion is so very thought provoking and helpful! Thank you!!

[@anagoldberg]

So glad to meet you here Chris! 🌸

[@lidiaadobato7822]

I don't know if you will agree with me but I think that new words can be dangerous. First they're refreshing concepts which throw light on some corners of life that we hadn't taken into account, like self-forgiveness, minimalism, mindfulness and the like. With time they tend to become empty shells and even dogmas. Following them we ourselves become empty shells, repeating the decalogue. Trying not to own we become owned. There's a beautiful short story by Julio Cortázar (Argentine writer) about a man who buys a watch and thinks he owns it while it's the watch which begins to rule his life. Sorry about the typos, my glasses broke down, like Humpty Dumpty, 🙄 Very interesting review Ana, Lots of food for thought. Thanks!

[@ttjnaaa]

This is a great book! I just read it this year and it made me speechless how true Fromm's words are but at the same time how obvious! And how fragile humans are. your video helps me to deepen my knowledge to be able to remember it longterm.

[@sustainablyyours61]

I like to read and enjoy a book. I recently started reading again. Some days I only read one page, but I can often recall what I have read some days later. For me reading is about becoming involved in what I am reading. I see the characters in my mind.

[@anke4347]

Dear Ana, thank you so much for this wonderful review. I would appreciate more book reviews like this.

[@alberodonaalberodona5888]

Excellent video! Thank you for your wisdom and courage. Greetings from Rome.

[@raggedblossom508]

Brilliant review, Ana! Now I am going to seek out that book. I also loved the inserted images. Meanwhile, Ullyses manifests the true spirit of being as only a cat can!

[@wheniamhome]

love this! i am going to order this book today. thank you.

[@martakasyanov6145]

Thank you do much for the review, I 'll look for this book in library - this kind of content is a true bless to our modern exhausted souls... Also, as a art historian I enjoyed the format of the video - those paintings a LoT 🙂 love your channel, please keep what your doing !

[@onelove7707]

Yes more book reviews please! You have great taste in books ✨

[@zoraidarodriguez1761]

Hi Ana and Ulysses, lovely to see you both. Amazing review and insights. I could have listened for another hour or two. 😊 Humans strive for perfection and possessions fully aware that nothing lasts forever. Laboring for the wind. 😔 More please 🥰 Thank you Ana. Best wishes to you and Ulysses.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you, dear Zoraida! 💖

[@grady4757]

This is a quality conversation stoked by the ideas of this book. The philosophical roots of what we call ‘minimalism’ today is vague at best for many of us, and to begin to talk about the reasons the movement is beneficial beyond simplifying and reducing material belongings is worthy of discussion. Much of your own takeaways from this particular book resonate with me, and to echo the thoughts of many diverse and relatable commenters on this channel, I appreciate your genuine and open approach to a borderless dialogue. No East versus West ideas here. Just humans talking. You are a gem! 🍀

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you, my dear friend! 💚

[@SuperMomMac]

Hi Ana. This is a very relevant and wonderful video. Reading that booked changed my life forever. Your review is truly great!

[@Lalallalu]

Thank you Ana for sharing your reflections based on reading this seminal book. I like your freshness and unpretentiousness. Also how you organised the topics. I have sent the link (to your video) to someone completely new to Erich Fromm. I trust this to be a rather perfect introduction to my favourite thinker/author in the field of psychology. Namaste Ana 🌟

[@majhea_]

I love it, I wish I had more time to listen to it. One thing seems so true, we run after own something, even a home, I think it's to have security, somewhere safe for my children with food anought. But with just a garden I could have that. Some toughts are deep to think about. Thanks for this new form of video. Kiss from south of France

[@verenamartini8695]

Ana, you are such a precious thinker ! I need to read Fromm ...but I know you are in the mode of being just like those who comment here.

[@Ray-ru3pc]

i just found your channel today, it’s bittersweet

[@bartrebe]

Brilliant, I have been listening to this video from my son's computer this morning. This is very good and relative. If I may make a suggestion? Maybe you could do a relaunch of this one. I feel that more and more people will understand this now more than ever. Thank you Ana, thank you for being you. Пока пока 🙌👍

[@lcvmaddox3357]

Thank you for your enlightened and thoughtful review,. I read 'Escape from Freedom' also by Erich Fromm when I was in high school; it made. an indelible impact on me because I saw how my peers and my small twown in the US were afraid of their freedom though they professed to love freedom. Now it is sadly even more relevant with what we are going through of course. Thank you for reminding me of Erich Fromm and I plan to read this book too, and stay safe and wonderful 🤗 from California.

[@mounthoodsts]

I applaud you for choosing this book and topic. Ambitous, and your review was articulate and insightful. Loved it! My motto (as I may have mentioned to you before)is, "The best things in life aren't things", which parallels "Being" versus "Having". Things weigh me down and make my soul feel heavy, yet at times I have to remind myself to just "be". American culture pushes the concept of "having" with its extreme consumerism and they bombard us with it all day long, which is why I remove myself from its path whenever possible. I look forward to more of your reviews. You are one smart cookie! Impressive job!

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much for watching, Diane! 😊⭐

[@foxgloved8922]

I’ve had this book on my shelf for some time. This is a lovely introduction to it. I hope to find time to read it soon.

[@galebecker3487]

Hi Ana, I so enjoyed the way you presented your review. Your chosen visuals are perfectly chosen. I would enjoy more book reviews from you in the future, of course if you have time. I have always been a great admirer of Erich Fromm. Thank you and take care. Kind regards from Gale.

[@martinav934]

I am glad you made this review- I have studied philosophy and I read excerpts from Erich Fromm, but unfortunately I have never read the entire work of his. I kind of realize now, that if I did, I would be sad, because his thoughts are both powerful and also disheartening. It kind of makes me want to cry, because, like you said, we are a product of our surroundings and upbringing, of the society... and there are so many people who yearn to have more and more, and materialism is such a prevalent worldview nowadays, that is makes me a bit sad. Also, you made me wonder about one thing regarding this topic- I have been struggling with the balance as far as material possessions go, because, I do not come from a wealthy family, so I have never owned much stuff, but now, as an adult, I do own many books and vinyl records, that I love very much. I have enjoyed collecting and being able to collect since I was a child (it used to be postcards, pictures from the magazines or other little simple things back then), and now when I have an income I wish to buy my favourite albums that I was not able to, because of the limited funds, but there are so many that I fear I would be anxious to spend so much of my hard-earned money on material things instead of some trips or other real-life experiences, that, as Fromm would probably say, would make me more in a "to be" more, rather than "to have". I hope this does not sound too self-centered, I just wanted to share my point of view! I apologize in advance for the rambling. But it is also a reason why I really like your videos, they make me reflect and re-evaluate opinions or some kind of norms that are "ingrained" in my mind and have been for a long time. Thanks a lot, hope you have a lovely day 🌷

[@anagoldberg]

Hi Martina! I understand your struggle and think it's worth trying to let yourself be and get what you need. everything, every important insight and understanding comes in naturally, so I'm always against depriving ourselves of sth when we are not ready. Books and records bring you comfort and a sense of stability. I have the same with my hobby supplies:) Possessing doesn't always mean ''to have'' just as traveling does not always mean ''to be''. Well, but it's just my opinion:) Thank you so much for watching and sharing your story, my friend 💚

[@osamaafif]

Thank you Ana 🙏❤️

[@Hawaii_Sakura_88]

Hi. Very thought provoking and substantive. Thank you. 😌🙏✨

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching, my friend! 🌞

[@batlavender]

Absolutely lovely!! I'm very into reading, and must admit I read more than five books a month -- often much more than five, but since literature is my area of study and something I enjoy for pleasure, I think this makes sense for me. 💛I really wish there were more videos like this on book youtube ((or booktube, if you're not familiar already!)). People don't often make longform book reviews like this, as they don't perform as well as wrapups, like the one you mentioned seeing. Still, I love long reviews, and taking the time to learn what moved someone about a book. It makes reading it later on feel more personal -- like I'm getting to have a little bookclub with a favorite youtuber. You might like some of the youtuber The Artisan Geek's book content! She's more focused on fiction, but she makes the most wonderful mindful videos. Sending much love from the states!

[@anagoldberg]

Oh, thank you so much for the channel suggestion, I will check it out! I agree, the amount of reading is such a personal thing, and the focus should be not on the quantity but just reading 😊 So glad you liked my first experimental review 💚 Sending love!

[@MariaNesses]

Absolutely agree a book should change you in some way, even if you just spend some time thinking about it's meaning and how it has impacted you. So many books I never finished because I realised it was not what I craved. I enjoyed this video very much Ana.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much for watching, dear Maria! Oh, same with me - have so many unfinished books:)

[@wilmabrock6257]

My thoughts exactly. There are so many wonderful books out there that I can’t finish ones that don’t move me and teach me something that will make me rethink my beliefs if need be!

[@michelecraig9658]

This review really makes me want to read this book. Just hearing the ideas, I think it greatly influenced the counter culture of California, where I grew up during the 1960s and 1970s.

[@morganbulger8055]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 thank you for this review and these meditations.

[@SimoneWhipp]

Thank you for the book review Ana. The topic is thought provoking. It can be difficult to just be when we are judged by what status we have in life and how much we earn/own. When we die we can't take possessions with us so it makes sense to have living experiences rather than collect material 'things'. I also think that the more a person has the more there is to maintain and upkeep. I hope you have a lovely week ahead. x

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching, my dear friend ⭐ Oh, absolutely, we all experience a huge pressure from society which makes it so difficult to be different. But that's why we all are here and doing our best 😊 💚

[@lindyralph8792]

Thanks for this, there is so much food for thought x

[@jenniferabbott3696]

I just learned of your channel from Centsible Living with Money Mom and am so grateful to her for pointing me to you and your channel. Thoroughly enjoyed your thought provoking book review video and look forward to watching your other posted videos. All the best to you!

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you , dear Jennifer! I'm so glad to meet you here 🌸

[@gabyv8]

Excellent video Ana! I love your review technique. So pleasing to hear! I will try and find the book to read. I prefer to do Audible books because I cross stitch and also crochet and when doing so is when I like you listen to a good book. Thank you again! 🙏🏻

[@randomsquirrelarts]

I LOVED this review!!! Or more video essay type of review. It was so well-structured and well-argued and I wouldn't mind more videos like this when you read something interesting. And I absolutely have to read this book soon. I mentioned to you in a comment in December that I planned to to do a minimalist month in January and I did. I managed to be around 80% the minimalist that I tried to be (digital minimalism is harder than I thought). I set my own guidelines, appropriate for my own lifestyle and I loved it and continue to do it. Not to that extent, because I wanted to see how I feel if I am more permissive, somewhere in between how I used to be and my more minimalist self. Conclusion: I like my more minimalist self better :))). Because that allows me TO BE more, there's more room for being. Your videos and mindfulness around minimalism have helped me a lot, so thank you!! And after the minimalist month, I now know what I need to focus on, a balance between having and being, with emphasis on being.

[@anagoldberg]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that your minimalist month was a success and you enjoyed it! Yay 😊Keep up the great job with your balance, I think it's a wonderful intention!

[@laurad4822]

Thank you for the wonderful book review. I absolutely love your channel!!! ✌️

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you, dear Laura 😘

[@barrbuff]

Loved this.Like so many of your videos, gets the mind thinking in different directions which is always good.

[@juliafieger949]

Thank you for your thoughts Ana! There is so much to think about here that I don't feel I can comment with intention (especially living in the US where excess is viewed as success - whatever success is)! I have gotten the audible version of his book and I will take time to listen soon! I love your book review format, all of your content really and enjoy whatever you wish to share with us. Thank you and you stay safe!

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching, dear Julia! 💚 Hope you'll like the book. I love audio versions too, they help me relax and focus at once 😊

[@mariaruiz3848]

Excellent presentation. Very profound. At this time in my life being is absolutely more important than having. I dream of a world living in a state of cooperation. My inner being fundamentally love to share what I have. I don't attached to anything and every day I am I am learning more of being unattached to anything or anyone. I love immensely but with freedom to be. The presentation make me feel the urgency of reading this book again. I know it will bring more solace to my spiritual journey. Thank you so much Ana for this very profound and reflective presentation. Love 💗 only love 💗

[@tudorstudor]

you are absolutely amazing

[@raeden4742]

You did a fantastic job! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you! 💛

[@travelingEmily]

Ana, I get so happy when I see you’ve posted another video:) I loved this chat and I am super interested in your thoughts on The abundance mindset 💜

[@veronikakonecna1910]

You are very clever and have interesting things to say! You are Original, you don’t really repeat what minion people said here already on KZbin. You are just honest and real person. Hey that’s how I feel it. I enjoy every video, always watch your videos while washing dishes:D makes it all abit nicer. Will definitely put on TO read list. Thank you.Cheers from the UK

[@anagoldberg]

Aww, thank you so much for these kind and supportive words, dear Veronika! Also, I love the idea that my YT chats make a good company to your dishwashing time 😍

[@Hannah-je4pt]

I'm so happy I discovered your channel, it has become my favourite one. So thought-provoking! I haven't read Fromm's book but now it's on the top of my list. Like probably many people here, I can recognise how in the past I was stuck in the consumerism and competitiveness cycle, and the society makes it hard to abandon these thoughts in full. But at one point I just had to stop and think: why, why are we doing this? We're here for a very limited time and we should be experiencing life to the full, not trying to grasp and possess every thing in this world. What came to my mind are words of Wayne Dyer: "I have a suit in my closet with the pocket cut out. It's a reminder to me that I won't be taking anything with me. The last suit I wear won't need any pockets." Just my stream of thoughts. Thank you for this video, take care 🌷

[@anagoldberg]

Oh wow... those words you've quoted, by Wayne Dyer, touched me so deeply. Beautifully put and sooo true. I will remember them from now on. Thank you so much, dear Hannah! 🌸

[@janicevin4207]

I have several motives to read and one of them is evasion from my life to be in someone else life and world (the "have" mode???).However I realise that I don't really remember many of the books I read!!! I will start to be more in the being when I read and really enjoy the words and emotions more profoundly.

[@SuperNathalies]

Love the book review format, always on the lookout for new (to me) books to read. And I loved this video also. 'Being' is the recipe for more happiness and 'having' is just a never ending queeste for something that will never be attained I think. I consider myself more a 'be-er' but not a real minimalist. I just do'nt want much, I have enough and giving gives me pleasure more than having.

[@gordanacubric3704]

Dear Ana what a breath of fresh air you are. I love all of your contributions and this Book Review is not an exeption. You put a lot of thinking into everything you do and that shows your great respect for life. What I Like the most is that you leave a space for our own thinking and understanding. I read Fromm many moons ago and after your review I want to read it again. Recently I was suggested to read Bela Hamvas a Hungarian who’s work has been published after his death. I do not know weather he has been translated to Russian. I could not see English translation either. I think you would like it. I just started reading his work and he blew my mind. Keep up the good work. You bring a lot of pace and kindness and you inner beauty is reflected in every word you express. Xx

[@anagoldberg]

Dear Gordana, thank you so much for your kind and so supportive words 💚 Ugh, I looked up Bela Hamvas and can't find any Russian or English translation, such a bummer... Hopefully, there will be at least some articles on his works. You've intrigued me so much about him! Sending love 🌞

[@gordanacubric3704]

Unfortunately these are not all of his best work. British library has an English translation of the book Trees. Maybe your local library can get a copy or a photocopy for you?! Good luck.😘

[@anagoldberg]

@@gordanacubric3704 Thank you for checking, Gordana! Now wishing my German was better than elementary😊

[@torillwilhelmsen]

Ana, I’ve been watching your videos and enjoyed them immensely! Sadly I discovered a person called «Goatis» make fun of your eating habits on his channel. I reported it as bullying because it was not ok. We have your back, your content is wonderful and you are too. Just wanted to let you know if you had not see it already.

[@grady4757]

There is a good discussion of her bullying experience on this channel, Torill. We all support Ana, and your sentiment is echoed by me! We all need this kindness in life. :)

[@torillwilhelmsen]

@@grady4757 oh I see, I didn’t connect the dots!

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for caring, Torill, it means a lot to me♥️

[@michellemontgomery-jones2579]

I enjoyed your book review and the ideas you covered. I think I have a lot to think over and will be relisteni ng to you. So much information to process. Thank you for sharing.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you so much for watching and hearing me, dear Michelle!💚

[@JulieOlsenParkCity]

Hi Ana I enjoyed your video. It’s refreshing and inspiring listening to your thoughts. I’m on a self discovery journey and have realized I have enough to be comfortable. I’m working toward finding ways in the future to do things that involve my passions and to enjoy life rather than seek more.

[@emmeviene]

Hey, Ana! Insightful video as usual 😊 With regards to reading, I think it depends on the reasons as to why we read. Like for me, there are certain books that I consume like junk food because I want to be entertained or act as my stress reliever 😄 But there are also books that I read because I want to enrich my mind or gain more in depth knowledge, etc. Those are the ones that I put on my reading journal because I want to refer to them back in the future. 😊

[@anagoldberg]

Oh, I totally agree! I read easy books too for entertainment just as I watch easy stuff for entertainment and treat myself to some not super healthy but so tasty food from time to time😊 It's all about the balance!

[@romanowicz9649]

Thank you for that video. It's hard to find similar channel on youtube. I'm glad that you doing this and that I can listen to you during my evening relax ;)

[@user-lt6rh1vz3f]

Thanks a lot for such an interesting book review. I am looking forward to the next one.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching, Sergey! 😊

[@norl2013]

Oh Ana... 👑 that was deep. thank you so much ❤️ I came across Erich Fromm at the age of 16 after my boyfriend took his life. so it has a very special meaning for me. your summary of the book hits the nail on the head and deeply inspired me to read it again, this time as an adult. During your review, I became aware of so many parallels to indigenous cultures (storytelling / passing on language and knowledge orally) and to Buddhist approaches. In the end, it's about love and appreciation of ourselves and thus the connection with everything that surrounds us. Fromm's book "The Art of Loving" also ties in here. thanks Ana... I could write so much more... but for now I'll watch your latest video ❤️ big hug from Nastja

[@anagoldberg]

Dear Nastja, I'm so sorry you had to go through that tragic experience when being so young... The thought that the video sparked some good and meaningful thoughts in you makes me happy 💚 Thank you so much for being here Sending big hugs and love your way

[@MamsirMamsir]

Thank you!

[@l.a.f.8555]

Thank you Anna! Im going to read it. The only book I read from Fromm was: The art of loving. I enjoyed your review very much and what you say that reading is not a marathon or a hot dog competition you are so right! When is the next review????

[@anagoldberg]

So glad you liked the video! I still haven't read The art of loving, but surely will:) Have no book for the new review yet, but will come up with something. Maybe we'll decide which book to discuss:)

[@kathsarazin]

Dear Ana, always giving us so much to think about! I started the book but am finding it complex reading, so was ready to bail but now I realize I need “to be” with the reading of it- it’s not a race to finish it- I can and should take my time to understand the complexity and depth of Fromm’s words. Love the paintings you interspersed between your segments! Most of all though…you hit home in your last minute-regular people are horrified and terrified at what is transpiring with our governments in the effort “to have” more. I would have hoped we were past this point in the evolution of our world and it saddens me so greatly at the state of things.

[@anagoldberg]

Dear Kathy, I'm so glad you liked the video 💛 Honestly, I've found many moments in the book hard to read, too, and it took me more than 1.5 months to finish:) Yep.

[@jeanne553]

I appreciate your mindful and thoughtful approach in all your videos. I'm going to watch this video again because there is so much there. I will look for this book at the library, your review of it makes me want to read it.

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you, dear Jeanne! Hope you'll enjoy the book 🌼

[@emmeviene]

I saw this interview clip of the singer Mitski and she said that maybe the reason why she works so hard to have money is so that she can finally be left alone because if you don’t have money, you don’t get a lot of alone time. That resonated with me so much 😄😄😄 Especially in a capitalist world we live in.

[@aidenwalker7462]

Thank you for this great video, Ana! I have been studying Buddhist philosophy lately and it has led me to a lot of the same conclusions about trying to be as present as possible and reduce clinging to possessions and other things. I’d really like to read this book now to see all the ways Fromm positions this way of being as against consumerism. I especially like the idea that you can try to “have” experiences instead of really experiencing them. I am an artist also and the times I feel the worst are the times I focus more on my output rather than the process of creating. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@anagoldberg]

Hello Aiden! Yep, it occurred to me too, how much Fromm's ideas have in common with Buddhist philosophy. It's such a delightful journey to look into many ideas and find connections between them. It makes the world a less scary place to live in 😀 Thank you for watching and being here! ❄

[@deborrasanders]

Beautiful, Ana. Thanks!

[@neodalillla]

слышала об этой книге, а сейчас однозначно пошла покупать! продолжайте, пожалуйста, книжный формат и дальше.

[@anagoldberg]

Надеюсь, вам понравится книга! Там, конечно, есть сложные моменты, приходится продираться сквозь текст, но это в удовольствие:) Спасибо большое, что посмотрели и подбодрили 😊💚

[@margaretwitkowski1775]

DearAna you are so unique so fragile so intellectual!! So glad I found you here!

[@marlahansen3953]

Enjoyed your book review immensely!

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you Marla! 🌼

[@lilidonna]

This format was so interesting. I feel my mind churning but I don’t think I even have any fully formed thoughts yet. I still wanted to leave a comment of appreciation though, and should my thoughts ever develop to some level of substance, I’ll try to remember to check back in 😊

[@anagoldberg]

Thank you for watching, my friend! 🌸

[@wyrdwords776]

I think your book review format was quite good. On the topic of the individual consuming 5 books a week, I don't think they will be able to stick with that unless the material is short, easy to digest, and possibly filled with pictures. There is nothing wrong with reading that kind of material, I love to read comic books, children's books, and books on complicated topics that are short and to the point. But I can say from experience that speed reading a lot or just reading a lot can really make a person physically sick. I am a fast reader with the ability to retain much of what I am reading. I can read several books in a week of various lengths (I think up to a dozen some weeks if it is a good week health-wise, and all I do is read), but it comes at a cost. My whole body hurts and I won't be able to read for several days afterwards. Plus, with so much crammed in I know that my retention and understanding of the material is negatively impacted. I like to think about what I have read, and binge speed reading just doesn't allow for that. But in order to do that for anything longer than a 100 page book in a day, the average person would not be able to retain much either. The human brain and body has a finite ability to pay that much attention. And the eyestrain would be murder. I think it is more doable with audiobooks, however the narrator is going to read it slower out loud than one can read it themselves and you'd likely be doing something else while listening. As a result, they aren't giving it their full attention. That doesn't mean that I believe that that person should read less, but I hope that they don't push themselves too hard and miss out on the magic too. Now, I will admit that my husband can read faster than I can, but he reads less often and his vision is better. I would say that on a good day for me, he reads about 20% faster, but if it's a bad day for my health he can read 50% faster. This used to bother me. But I have visual impairments, it isn't a fair comparison and is quite ridiculous to think badly about myself for something so silly. I have been treated terribly much of my life for my physical impairments by family, teachers, and coworkers, so there is an obvious reason for my frustration, but their poor treatment of me has a lot more to do with their shortcomings than my own. I also know that if I internalize it too much then it will become self-limiting. I also read complicated things that my husband wouldn't understand. He knows it and I know it. But he also knows and understands things that I don't, and the same is true of every human on Earth. As such, it really doesn't matter if a person reads a lot or a little or can't read at all. It doesn't have to define us. But if that individual is getting something out of that 5 books a week, more power to them. My goal is 51 this year to encourage me to read less. But I am trying to write more myself and focus on my health, home, spiritual practice, and my relationship, so it makes sense for me to read less right now. Even with that lower goal I still read 12 last month, I am not even sure how. But it will likely calm down in April when I usually get some of my energy back and I am able to do more physically. Then it'll pick back up in September as I start to have more flare-ups.

[@grady4757]

Yes, we definitely all ebb and flow in so many aspects of living, and I know, as you said as well as Ana, that whatever reading pace that fits the moment in life is absolutely acceptable. I appreciate that Ana always makes sure to invite ideas here, and it shows in the quality of comments. I liked you comment on how essentially all of us humans have different understanding of multiple topics and that’s absolutely okay. For me, personally, I find that I absorb more deeply reading slow, but in practical terms, I also work a lot, and given the opportunity, I imagine I would read so much more, but probably still slow. I have friends that read quickly and it fascinates me. It reminded me of the first time I went on a trip to Europe: there were six of us and we were divided on how many countries to visit in a short amount of time. I was on the side of less, as I wanted to really get to know the cities we visited in limited time. But for the friends of mine that went the other way and visited many in the same time, it was valuable too. Both experiences created lasting memories, just in different approaches.