Calmversations

s07e80 | Science of the Soul, with Scott Barry Kaufman

Jun 27, 2025
Scott Barry Kaufman, an author and psychologist known for his work on intelligence and creativity, shares his transformative journey from special needs to cognitive science. He explores overcoming victimhood narratives for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and empathy. The conversation delves into celebrating individuality, the interplay of spirituality and science, and the impact of personal beliefs on understanding others. Kaufman also discusses the emotional complexities of adolescence and the non-linear path of self-actualization.
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INSIGHT

Society Faces Multiple Coexisting Crises

  • Multiple crises such as meaning, sexual, and coddling crises occur simultaneously in society today.
  • Intelligence involves holding multiple truths about these overlapping struggles at once.
INSIGHT

Victimhood Provides Identity and Meaning

  • Holding a victim identity can provide individuals suffering with meaning, community, and attention.
  • Victimhood is a form of identity that stabilizes consciousness amid life struggles.
INSIGHT

Humanistic Psychology Enriches Understanding

  • Humanistic psychology embraces the full human experience, focusing on meaning, creativity, and self-actualization.
  • Cognitive science alone can be too limited to capture the richness of what it means to live well.
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