Erich Fromm (1900–1980) was a German social psychologist, psychoanalyst, and philosopher, known for his work in the fields of psychology and humanism. Born in Frankfurt, Fromm was a leading member of the Frankfurt School before fleeing Nazi Germany in 1933 to the United States. Over the course of his career, he explored the intersections of psychology, philosophy, and society, developing theories on human freedom, love, and ethical living. His famous works, such as The Art of Loving and Escape from Freedom, have become cornerstones of modern psychological thought.

Fromm was a neo-Freudian thinker who believed that the understanding of love and emotional well-being was key to a healthy society. His theories emphasize the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and love in interpersonal relationships, which are central themes in The Art of Listening. Fromm spent the later years of his life teaching and writing in Mexico and the United States, making significant contributions to humanistic psychology and psychoanalysis.