How to approach the daunting question: who am I? (w/ Brian Lowery)
Sep 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Brian Lowery is a psychologist, author, and professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, who delves into the complexities of identity. He argues that our self-perception is deeply influenced by social dynamics rather than individual isolation. The discussion navigates the performance of identity in different contexts, highlighting how societal constructs shape who we are. Lowery emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in understanding oneself, inviting listeners to reflect on the interconnectedness of personal and collective identity.
Our identity is a social construction influenced by relationships, highlighting the importance of how we perceive and affect others.
The quest for meaning extends beyond personal achievements, emphasizing community engagement and shared experiences as vital for fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Search for Meaning
The pursuit of meaning in life is a fundamental human concern that intertwines with the concept of identity. Engaging in personal achievement, such as climbing mountains or achieving professional success, often results in a fleeting sense of fulfillment that can lead individuals to question its significance. As success fades, people may grapple with existential questions like 'Is this all there is?' This exploration highlights the need to look beyond individual accomplishments and consider how relationships and shared experiences contribute to a deeper sense of meaning.
The Social Construction of Self
Identity is not a static attribute but rather a fluid construct shaped by cultural influences and interpersonal relationships. The idea that there is one innate true self is challenged, as individuals exist in connection with others, and their sense of self emerges from interactions with family, friends, and society. This perspective accentuates the importance of recognizing how others perceive us and how we, in turn, influence their self-conception. Embracing this social construction can foster a greater understanding of oneself and the shared nature of identity.
The Role of Relationships
Every interaction and relationship has significant implications for our sense of self and how we perceive others. Our identity is continuously shaped and reshaped through the feedback we receive from those around us, reinforcing the notion that we do not exist as isolated individuals. When we challenge societal norms or someone else's self-identity, it can provoke strong reactions, illustrating how deeply intertwined our identities are with those of others. Thus, understanding the interconnectedness of human relationships can lead to a more empathetic approach to engagement with others.
Finding Meaning Through Community
The quest for meaning also involves recognizing our role within larger communities and the importance of participating in narratives beyond our personal experiences. The act of service—whether through simple, everyday interactions or more significant contributions—plays a crucial role in fulfilling our need for connection and meaning. Engaging in community-oriented activities not only enriches our own lives but also positively impacts others, creating a cycle of shared experiences. Ultimately, finding meaning can be rooted in connecting with others and contributing to the collective well-being.
If you take away how others see you, how do you see yourself? Psychologist, author and Stanford Graduate School of Business professor Brian Lowery argues that this question is so difficult to wrap our heads around because what we think of as our individual identity is actually a social construction. In this episode, he and Chris take us on a journey exploring the objective vs the subjective self, the performance of identity and how your view of others has a stronger sway than you realize.