The Art of Manliness The Curse of the Self
Jul 21, 2021
Mark Leary, professor emeritus of psychology and neuroscience and author of "The Curse of the Self," delves into the fascinating duality of self-awareness. He explores how our ability to reflect on our existence fosters personal growth and social connections, yet also brings challenges like egotism and emotional distress. Leary discusses the 'better than average' effect, the dangers of distorted self-perception, and the role of meditation in combating negative self-thoughts, offering practical strategies to harness the power of the self while mitigating its downsides.
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The Self
- The self is a mental system allowing conscious thought about oneself.
- It impacts emotions, motives, and behavior.
Evolution of the Self
- The self likely evolved for planning and social interaction.
- Planning requires imagining oneself in the future.
Analog 'I'
- An analog 'I' is a mental image of oneself used for planning.
- Self-awareness is crucial for projecting oneself into the future.
