Fromm's "The Individual in the Chains of Illusion."

The essay written by Fromm describes a cloud among the working man's idea of ,what it means to be an individual. Although longer than average, I believe portraying these three main ideas are to be considered.
First, he believes the history of Wars such as: The German-French, World Wars One and Two, are a deterioration of man's perceptions in society. The European countries attacked one another blindly for the claim over territories and the value of man's life was used for political gain.
His second idea is that of the industrial suppression via obedience. Having a job to secure priorities of desire and responsibility deflates the balloon of individuality. Fromm inquires there is lack of individuality within jobs and income, matrimony, public opinion, and the expression of feelings.
The last importance portrayed is that pertaining to the ability of man to choose for himself. To emerge, not by persuasion or conformity. To be among ourselves as neighbors who believe in progress and not destruction. One phrase to consider would be:" The West employs its new technical powers for the sake of man, rather than using man for the sake of things." What do you think he means by this? Is it relevant to the society of present day?
In this short summary we have analyzed and thought of Fromm's reasoning. Besides the simplicity of,"You learn something new everyday," I hope this essay has been a reflection on you the way it reflected on me.

W.E.B. Du Bois view of an American struggle

In his essay “Of Our Spiritual Strivings” Du Bois lays down an outline for the history of the African American. He opens with a story from his childhood and how it transforms his view on life; wanting to be the best and live above it all in a “region of blue sky.” After some time and growth that view slowly fades. Through Du Bois’ travels and schoolings he gains an understanding of why the African American faces the struggles they do. He objectively explains with deep insight the path that has taken them from pre-Emancipation to post voting rights. He does not seem to argue about who is best, or who is right or wrong, only the struggle to simply “be both a Negro and an American.” Before reading this essay I had only seen W.E.B. Du Bois' name in print and never read anything of his. I am now encouraged to read more of his works