Transcend
The New Science of Self-Actualization and How It Can Transform Your Life
By: Scott Barry Kaufman
'What a masterpiece! Maslow 2.0 - a must-read. I loved it!' ANGELA DUCKWORTH 'This is the book we've all been waiting for' SUSAN CAIN 'Transcend [...] shows us how we can all achieve the kind of life we aspire to' LORI GOTTLIEB 'A major advance in psychology' AARON T. BECK 'Scott Barry Kaufman is one of my favorite thinkers about the psychology of getting better and growing as a person' RYAN HOLIDAY Realise your full potential and live your most creative life. When psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman first discovered Maslow's unfinished theory of transcendence, he felt a deep resonance with his own work and life. In Transcend, Kaufman picks up where Maslow left off, unravelling the mysteries of his unfinished theory, and integrating them with the latest research on attachment, connection, creativity, love, purpose and other building blocks of a life well-lived. Kaufman's new hierarchy of needs provides a roadmap for finding purpose and fulfilment - not by striving for money, success, or happiness, but by becoming the best version of ourselves, or what Maslow called 'self-actualization'. Using this, Transcend reveals a level of human potential that connects us not only to our highest creative potential, but also to one another. With never-before-published insights and research findings, along with exercises and opportunities to gain insight into your own unique personality, this empowering book is a manual for self-analysis, connecting you not only to your highest potential but also to the rest of humanity. EditBuild
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "Transcend" by Scott Barry Kaufman
Key Themes:
- Updated Hierarchy of Needs: Scott Barry Kaufman revisits and updates Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of human needs, arguing that the traditional pyramid model is often misunderstood. Kaufman splits the needs into two categories: security needs and growth needs, emphasizing the importance of meeting both to achieve self-actualization.
- Self-Actualization and Transcendence: The book explores the concept of self-actualization, which is the realization of one's full potential. Kaufman introduces the idea of transcendence, suggesting that some individuals can go beyond self-actualization by being motivated by values that go beyond the self, such as beauty, truth, or justice.
- Integration of Self and World: Kaufman emphasizes that true self-actualization requires a deep integration of both self-development and self-sacrifice, connecting individuals not only to their highest creative potential but also to one another.
- Modern Synthesis and Humanistic Psychology: The book provides a modern synthesis of Maslow's ideas, incorporating insights from other humanistic psychologists. Kaufman aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of human potential and fulfillment.
Plot Summary:
- Reimagining Maslow's Hierarchy: Kaufman critiques the traditional interpretation of Maslow's hierarchy, arguing that it is often oversimplified. He presents a more nuanced view, highlighting the interplay between security and growth needs.
- The Concept of Transcendence: The book delves into the idea that some individuals can transcend self-actualization by pursuing values that extend beyond personal fulfillment.
- Path to Fulfillment: Kaufman outlines a roadmap for achieving purpose and fulfillment by focusing on becoming the best version of oneself, rather than striving for external measures like money or success.
Critical Reception:
- Enlightening and Joyous: The book has been described as an enlightening and joyous voyage into humanity's psychological history, present, and possible futures.
- Positive Reviews: Critics have praised Kaufman for providing an updated and more comprehensive view of human potential, aligning with modern scientific understanding and Maslow's original work.
- Relevance and Timeliness: The book has been noted for its relevance and timeliness, offering insights that resonate with contemporary readers seeking deeper fulfillment and meaning.
Overall, "Transcend" by Scott Barry Kaufman offers a thought-provoking exploration of human potential, self-actualization, and transcendence, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of how to achieve true fulfillment and connect with others on a deeper level.