Live from Stanford, experts Michelle Gelfand, Brian Lowery, Deborah Gruenfeld, and Zakary Tormala discuss cross-cultural behavior dynamics, racial perceptions, power dynamics, and persuasive language nuances. Topics include societal implications, personal presence, and impactful communication techniques.

“The self is incompatible with freedom, the way most people understand it, because the self is a constraint,” says social psychologist and professor of organizational behavior Brian Lowery. “The ‘you’ you’re talking about is actually the relationships you have, the social interactions you have and the cultural context you exist in."In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lowery sits down with podcast host and lecturer in strategic communications Matt Abrahams to talk about his new book, Selfless: The Social Creation of You. Lowery argues that there is no essential “self” — our selves are creations of those we interact with — exploring what that means for who we can be and who we allow others to be. He also shares research on how asking deeply personal questions can be a tool for deepening relationships. Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn ********Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

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.

Three things generate a sense of meaning IN life; Coherence - can you make sense of the world? Purpose - do you feel a sense of purpose with what you do? And Significance - does your life matter? Having meaning in your life is correlated with a sense of self certainty. Knowing who you are and having a sense of self, gives you structure and a stable way of seeing the world.   But how do you answer the question “who am I?” Our guest, Dr Brian Lowery PhD says the answer isn’t as individualistic as we may have been led to believe. Not only do those around us; our friends, co-workers and parents contribute to who we are, Brian claims they actually create who we are. Putting it bluntly, there is no way of separating “you” from your relationships.   We’ve waited a long time to talk to Brian, who is the Walter Kenneth Kilpatrick Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is a social psychologist by training, but Brian’s work is by no means traditional in that field. He studies how individuals perceive inequality, and his research explores individuals' experiences of inequality and fairness in a way that sheds light on intergroup conflict and the nature of social justice. Brian is also a fellow podcaster, hosting the show Know What You See which is definitely worth checking out.   Listeners can become a Behavioral Grooves supporter by donating to our work through Patreon. Or please consider writing us a podcast review on your app. Thanks!   Topics (5:21) Welcome to Brian Lowery and speed round questions. (7:34) The meaning IN life vs. the meaning OF life. (9:23) How meaning in life is linked to a sense of self certainty. (13:30) Context matters: those around us create who we are. (17:13) What are you referring to when you talk about you? (19:23) The responsibility we have when interacting with others.  (21:27) Does authenticity assume a stability of self? (26:17) Our relationships define us while also limiting our freedom. (30:59) The myth of rugged individualism. (36:35) Do we really have freewill? (42:06) What Brian talks about on his podcast, Know What You See. (43:42) What role does music play in the identity of self? (51:43) Grooving Session with Kurt and Tim discussing the meaning in life.   © 2022 Behavioral Grooves   Links Know What You See Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-what-you-see-with-brian-lowery/id1580636076  Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAwDWZoETk4&ab_channel=MontyPython  Episode 67, George Loewenstein: On a Functional Theory of Boredom: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/george-loewenstein-on-a-functional-theory-of-boredom/  Episode 248, John Bargh: Do We Control Situations or Do Situations Control Us? https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/control-situations-with-john-bargh/  Kimberle Crenshaw: https://www.law.columbia.edu/faculty/kimberle-w-crenshaw  Episode 307, Groove Track | Mind Over Milkshakes: Why Expectations Matter A Lot: https://behavioralgrooves.com/episode/mind-over-milkshakes-groove-track/  Behavioral Grooves Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/behavioralgrooves   Musical Links Killer Mike “Untitled”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNsAfGDkUtk   

There is an image, especially in Western cultures, of the rugged, authentic, self-made individual choosing how to navigate the intricacies of the social world. But there is no mystical soul within us, manifesting as the immutable essence of self. What we think of as our "self" is shaped by our environment and our genes, and most of all by our interactions with other people. Psychologist Brian Lowery argues for a strong version of this thesis, positing that our sense of self is largely a social construct. We talk about the implications of this idea, and what it means for shifting notions of personal identity.Post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2023/06/12/239-brian-lowery-on-the-social-self/Support Mindscape on Patreon.Brian Lowery received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of California Los Angeles. He is currently Walter Kenneth Kilpatrick Professor of Organizational Behavior at Stanford University Graduate School of Business. His new book is Selfless: The Social Creation of "You."Web pageWikipediaAmazon author pageTwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daniel Pink, going through an existential crisis, discusses Brian Lowery's book on the social creation of self and its impact on society. They challenge conventional beliefs about self, explore the complexity of identity and race, discuss the socially determined and ever-changing nature of our core self, and delve into the concept of freedom. They also analyze the impact of ostracism and the power of interactions and acts of kindness.

You are not autonomous. You are not an island unto yourself. You, my friend, are a social construct. The “self” you haul around — that yammering voice in your head — was entirely shaped by your relationships and social interactions. That may be upsetting for "you" to hear. But our guest today, Brian Lowery, prefers to see it as pleasantly humbling because if you can learn to let go of the idea that you have an essential self, you can embrace a more expansive view of who you are and who you can be.Brian Lowery is a professor of organizational behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His new book is “Selfless: The Social Creation of ‘You.’”---• We just released an original audiobook written and read by Steven Johnson. It's called "Immortality: A User's Guide," and you can download it now!

Join Brian Lowery, a leading voice on identity and social influences, as he challenges conventional self-help narratives and explores how relationships shape our sense of self. They discuss the impact of constant movement on identity formation, issues in the education system, and the influence of family and society on personal identity. The speakers also delve into navigating social identities and cultural expectations, the concept of freedom in relationships, and the impact of the internet on confirmation bias.

Brian Lowery, a professor at Stanford GSB, discusses how our behavior impacts others and vice versa. He emphasizes the flexibility of personal identity and the cyclical impact of individual behavior on communal dynamics. The episode explores the significance of empathy and perspective shift in successful communication, and delves into the effects of minor social engagements on individual attitudes and office culture. Practical advice is provided for leaders and individuals to enhance their ability to connect with others and navigate the complexities of human relationships.

Join leading voice on identity and social influences, Brian Lowery, as he challenges conventional self-help narratives and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be human. Dive into the complexities of how relationships shape us, the myth of a 'true self', and navigating social constructs. Explore the impact of moving schools on identity, the impingement of physical freedom in police interactions, and the complexities of freedom and social influences. Discover how technology amplifies confirmation bias and the role of relationships in constructing identity.