For Fromm, the essence of psychological health evolved from the complex interplay and conflict engendered by the meeting of the irrational and rational parts of the personality. In his writing, he was often critical of psychoanalysis but was keen to stress that this was only to stop the practice of psychoanalysis from deteriorating. He strongly believed that analysis existed 'not to cure illness but to help the inner freedom of a person'.

This edition, commemorating thirty years since the first English publication of The Art of Listening, redirects attention to Fromm as analyst and master of the art of listening, and features an updated introduction from editor Rainer Funk.