Necessary rebellion Erich Fromm is a psychoanalyst and sociologist who has written many books and magazines over the years. Fromm closely studied other psychologists such as Freud and Marx, and published analytical works on both and many other theories. In his essay “Disobedience as a Psychological and Moral Problem,” Fromm explains that as human beings we start with disobedience and turn it into something horrible, something we have to repent of, feel sorry for, and act as if we can't do it. Don't do it again (621). Obedience is believed to be a high moral standard that we must follow. On the other hand, disobedience is considered a moral flaw, a mistake, or something you simply shouldn't do. When your mother says you can't have cookies for dinner, how likely are you to listen? This is an act of disobedience. Let's go back to biblical times for just a moment. Fromm explains that during the time that Adam and Eve reside in the Garden of Eden, they live in innocence and harmony. This harmony is disrupted by the “Act of Disobedience,” which in biblical terms is labeled the “original sin.” This act of disobedience describes the first moral flaw and subsequent corruption of humanity. By disobeying God, Adam and Eve take their first steps towards independence and freedom. This helps them achieve their spiritual and intellectual capacity. After Adam and Eve leave the Garden of Eden, they create a new harmony called "the end of days" (622). For the prophets, man is right to disobey; this allows him to think for himself. In many ways, parents encourage their children to think for themselves. By simply choosing their own clothes or preparing lunch, children move away from following their parents and move towards forming their own identity... middle of paper... mothers, the ability to choose their clothes are different from those of their mothers choosing what they will wear. What separates us from our parents and our friends, our neighbors, our colleagues: is rebellion. The differences between us define us and make us important. And this begins in childhood. It starts with dyeing your hair blue, missing curfew and mouthing off. The self needs distance if it wants to form. Obedience and disobedience play a huge role in our lives as human beings. Let's start with disobedience. In this way, however, we develop the ability to choose whether to obey or disobey. In doing so, we obey the highest calling that is ours: human nature. No matter how we modernize as a society, the primal instincts and decisions that emerge in every human being are more or less the same as always. Yes, we live in the stone age, but anyway, what would a modern soul be like??