THE SELF --- EXPLORATIONS IN PERSONAL GROWTH
by Clark E. Moustakas (editor). Harper & Row , 1956
PREFACE (pxiii-xviii)
1) True experience and the self (p3-14)
Maintenance of the "real self" is of primary significance for the individual (you). The "self" is the most stable consistent value in your life. The real self is the central core within each individual which is the deep source of growth. (p8)
The following principles summarize the basic approach and recognition of the "self" in true experience and the creation of human understandingness:
[1] The individual understands himself or herself better than anyone else. (p9)
[2] Only the individual himself or herself can develop his or her potentialities. (p9)
[3] The individual's perception of his or her own feelings, attitudes, and ideas is more valid than any outside diagnosis can be. (p9)
[4] Behavior can best be understood from the individual's own point of view. (p10)
[5] The individual responds in such ways as to be consistent with himself or herself. (p10)
[6] The individual's perception of himself or herself determines how he or she will behave. (p10)
[7] Objects have no meaning in themselves. Individuals give meanings and reality to them. And these meanings reflect the individual's background. (p10)
[8] Every individual is logical in the context of his or her own personal experience. His or her point of view may seem illogical to others when he or she is not understood. (p10)
[9] As long as the individual accepts himself or herself, he or she will continue to grow and develop his or her potentialities. When he or she does not accept himself or herself , much of his or her energies will be used to defend rather than explore and to actualize himself or herself. (p10)
[10] Every individual wants to grow toward self-fulfillment. These growth strivings are present at all times. (p10)
[11] An individual learns significantly only those things which are involved in the maintenance or enhancement of his or her self. No one can force the individual to permanent or creative learning. He or she will learn only if he or she wills to! Any other type of learning is temporary and inconsistent with the self and will disappear as soon as threat is removed. (p10)
[12] Concepts, ideas, symbols, and events can be denied or distorted --- but "experience" is experienced in the unique reality of the individual person and cannot be untrue to itself. If it threatens the maintenance or enhancement of self, the experience will be of little relevance or consequence to the individual though it may temporarily stifle further growth. (p10)
[13] We cannot teach another person directly and we cannot facilitate "real learning" in the sense of making it easier. Yet we can make learning for another person possible by providing information, the setting, atmosphere, materials, resources, and by being there.
The learning process itself is a unique individualistic experience. It may be a difficult experience for you --- even if it has significance for the enhancement of your Self. (p10-11)
[14] Under any kind of threat, the self is less open to spontaneous expression. When afraid, the self is more passive and controlled. When free from threat, the "Self" is more open, that is, free to be and to strive for actualization. (p11)
The educatonal situation which most effectively promotes significant learning is one in which:
(1) The threat to the Self of the learner is at a minimum while at the same time the uniqueness of the individual is regarded as worthwile and is deeply respected;
(2) The person is free to explore the materials and resources which are available to him or her in the light of his or her own interests and potentiality. (p11)
The "Self" is not its definition or description but rather the central or core being of the individual person! (p11-13)
2) The so-called drives (p15-24)
3) The trend in motivational theory (p25-43)
4) A theoretical model for personality studies (p44-57)
5) Selfishness, self-love, and self-interest (p58-69)
6) Fate and self-determination (p70-75)
7) The world of personality (p76-85)
8) The personality (p86-97)
9) Truth and reality from two points of view (p98-108)
10) Human personality (p109-119)
11) Being and value in a primitive culture (p120-139)
12) The meaning of "to make" and "to have" regarding possessions (p140-146)
13) The development of personality (p147-159)
14) Self-actualizing people --- a study of psychological health (p160-194)
15) What it means to become a person (p195-211)
16) Human nature and aesthetic growth (p212-219)
17) The search for glory (p220-231)
18) Personality problems and personality growth (p232-246)
19) Toward the end (p247-260)
20) Groundwork for creative research (p261-270)
21) SUMMARY --- Explorations in essential being and personal growth (p271-284)
Go to self essay #2.1: Focus on Science and Your Self
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