

What Does it Actually Mean to Be a "Whole Person"? | Scott Barry Kaufman
Sep 22, 2021
Scott Barry Kaufman, a cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist, dives deep into the essence of being a 'whole person.' He explores self-actualization, emphasizing the balance between strengths and vulnerabilities. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity versus pseudo-authenticity, and how empathy can be nurtured through understanding diverse perspectives. Kaufman also highlights the transformative power of mindfulness in managing anxiety and perfectionism, promoting a richer journey of personal growth and fulfillment.
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Existential Crisis
- Scott Barry Kaufman had an existential crisis after realizing his mortality during a medical procedure.
- This led him to explore various philosophies and write his book, "Transcend."
Transcendence
- True transcendence comes from plateau experiences, finding the miraculous in everyday life.
- Peak experiences, while momentarily exciting, ultimately lead to disappointment.
Maslow and Experiences
- Abraham Maslow, a humanistic psychologist, emphasized self-actualization and peak experiences.
- He later favored "plateau experiences," finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, inspired by U.A. Asrani.