Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He has taught courses on intelligence, creativity, and well-being at Columbia University, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania. He is interested in using his research to help all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. Scott's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review. In his latest book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, he presents a new hierarchy of human needs for the 21st century, one that allows for the fulfillment of individual potential as well as the actualization of transcendent purpose and peak experiences. Scott also hosts the #1 psychology podcast in the world, The Psychology Podcast. To learn more, please visit scottbarrykaufman.com
In this episode Scott and I discuss themes from his new book Transcend, including:
His deep interest in the Abraham Maslow's work and motivation for writing Transcend
The psychology of everyday saints
The link between a "quiet ego" and self-actualization
Acceptance as a form of courage
Practical strategies for living a more authentic and fulfilling life
Finding meaning and joy in everyday experiences
How setting personal boundaries can unlock a deeper capacity for compassion
People, references, and resources mentioned: