Objectivity = love of man

Love is a complicated word that is nearly impossible to define, yet it is in every facet of our lives. The book “ The Art of Loving” , by Erich Fromm exams this broad subject. The most important aspect he emphasizes is objectivity. Objectivity is essential in making clear headed decisions. Objectivity guides us through a world where we must be able to work with people that are different than ourselves. To have love for another person does not have to be romantic. Having objective love is having love for the nature of man. It is having love for a true person, flaws and all. I have experienced objectivity mostly in the workplace. It use to be my belief that no one who is younger than me should be in a position of authority. I believed they could not handle responsibility. I thought their immaturity would show in their work. I have achieved true open-mindedness by facing this flaw within myself. At work there was a couple of recent promotions of young people. One 19 and one 20. They were promoted to supervisor positions. This made me angry, not because I was envious. I have no desire to be a supervisor because they work full time and I go to school full time. In my mind they were inferior because of their age. Just because someone is younger does not mean they cannot handle responsibilities. I realized they have the same abilities as someone who is 40. They may not have the wisdom of a middle aged person, but they can still have the work ethic. Me disliking the idea of a young person in a position of authority did not get me anywhere. To respect and love their work ethic transforms me into a better human being. I am better now because I can look at someone as a person, just not their age. I am more receptive to their thoughts of how to run the business. Young people are very innovative. I no longer shut them out. Age and responsibility have little to do with each other. There are some teenagers that are more mature than some adults. It is important for us all not to look at just age. Young people cannot shut the elderly out just because we think they are no longer fit or fully functioning, and vice- versa. This situation also taught me humility. I was arrogant to think someone younger than me was inferior. This was an important trait I lacked in this situation. Humility is essential to be a true loving human being. Without humility you can turn into an ugly person. Without humility you can become arrogant and overbearing. This is how I was becoming to my young coworkers. I gave them attitude when they asked me to do something politely. This is just a bad reflection on my personality. The ability to think objectively is the route to patience and humility.

This situation really helped me improve my relationships with my close friend. In my mind she was irresponsible. But by reading this book and examining this situation made me realize that she is not irresponsible. She just lives her life a different way. I don't judge people anymore and I keep an open mind now. I use to tell her all the time, Why don't you get a better job?, and why are you always cheating on someone?. I realized that flaws don't make a person. It opened up my mind to the nature of man. Man has many vices, but those don't make a person. Man may be immature at times, and lie at times but underneath that man genuinely tries to be good. Mans goal in life is to love. This relates to the situation I experienced in many ways. This experience helps to to relate to others in a more objective way. I still love my friend despite her flaws. I still have love for my coworkers even though they are higher in the ladder. I am open minded despite someone flaws, and my preconceived notions. I am now capable of seeing a whole person.

The principle I have achieved through my discovery of open mindedness is patience. Fromm stated that “ patience is necessary if you want to achieve anything.”( Pg 113) I use to lack patience when it came to knowing people. Objectivity is rooted in patience. Patience allows you to get to know people as a whole. Patience is key in all aspects of life. Especially in relationships with others. If you rush through things you will never learn the lesson each situation is trying to teach you. Everything happens for a reason. If you rush through life without learning from situations, you could never grow.

Love is a universal feeling. It can be love for a husband or wife, or it can be love for someone you just meet. Love has different levels. The three main principles that must be achieved in the art of loving is patience, humility and open-mindedness. These are the principles that define love and propel the art of loving in everyday life. I have achieved all three. I am constantly practicing these principles so I can continue to grow and mature as a person. The art of love is never ending. Each aspect requires practice and concentration.