Tributes

I FIRST MET ERICH SOME 40 YEARS ago. He was easily friendly and warm and reserved. There was a gentle enthusiasm and liveliness in his manner—nothing forced, yet his amiability was evident.

Erich approached therapeutic intervention with a hopefulness and vitality that was new. His formulations were pointed and vigorous. He never missed an opportunity to see what was alive in the patient, yet not overlooking the trends that bespoke negation.

Fromm was a modest person; his forthrightness was not judgmental. He was deeply appreciative of wisdom and without being given to hero worship. In a curious way, though, he approached formidable scholarship in alien areas with unflustered confidence that was both startling and touching. He believed that intelligent genuine people could master the essence of subject matter, no matter how abstruse if properly presented. One must recognize that Fromm came out of a committed Socialist tradition which bespoke an optimistic conviction in man's capacity to search for and discover important human truths. Whatever the shortcoming, this generosity and faith in man's potential to learn and broaden his wisdom served as an inspiration and incitement for others to enter into life experience.

Fromm captured the wisdom of Buddhist thought and with Suzuki and de Martino wrote one of his finest books, "Psychoanalysis and Zen Buddism, " in which he clarified much of what seemed incomprehensible and contradictory. His profound respect for Eastern thought enriched his sense of man's search for wisdom. Yet, Fromm did not have to 'become' a Zen Buddhist. The challenge to growth is not enhanced by idolatrous worship nor cynical dismissal.

Dr. Fromm's interest in social issues began in his youth—historical, ethical and religious themes centering on man were the hallmark of his thinking. These topics were not exclusively academically focussed. Where possible, he applied himself conscientiously to taking action. It is not well known that he made