This quote by Erich Fromm invites us to deeply consider the nature of our identity and the dangers of self-definition through material possessions or external achievements. In a world that often equates success with what we own or have accumulated, it poses an unsettling question: What remains of us if these external markers are taken away? It challenges the notion that our essence is tied to transient and often superficial attachments.

From a psychological perspective, this reflection highlights the importance of inner values, beliefs, and traits as the core of true identity. Emotional resilience, personal growth, and self-awareness are less about possessions and more about who we are fundamentally as individuals when stripped of these outer layers. This concept also echoes existential themes where the question of self goes beyond social and material dimensions, encouraging a deeper exploration of meaning and purpose.

In practical life, this quote can provoke a reevaluation of priorities. It nudges us to invest time and energy into developing qualities that build a durable sense of self—such as integrity, compassion, creativity, and wisdom. It warns against the vulnerability of basing our self-worth and identity on what is inherently impermanent, such as wealth, status, or physical possessions.

In essence, Fromm’s statement is a reminder to cultivate an identity grounded in inner reality rather than external validation. It inspires a quest to answer the fundamental question of 'who am I?' from a place of authenticity and inner depth, an endeavor crucial for genuine happiness and self-fulfillment.