Self-Actualization and Potential
Over the past couple chapters, I noticed the term self-actualization believed by a few psychologists like Jung and Maslow. The term holds the meaning that to be self-actualized is to reach one’s potential. Jung believed more in human beings understanding the underdeveloped aspects of the psyche to become self-actualized. Maslow believed in satisfying the hierarchical needs as becoming self-actualized. Both were in agreement that not many people reach this point and that no one could reach their absolute full potential.
I began thinking about several different times in my life where people mentioned the word “potential.” There were times in my athletic career where coaches would say something about the team having a lot of potential. If we could just reach it, then we would have a huge amount of success. I had a coach tell me that he hates the phrase “you have so much potential.” At first, I didn’t understand why he would say that; however, he explained that having a lot of potential means that you are currently underachieving. This idea really hit me and made a lot of sense. When a teacher tells a student they have a lot of potential, how do they react? Does that make them want to be better or does it make them stop caring altogether? I think it can go either way and there are examples of this happening all the time. Some people have the drive to reach their potential or to become self-actualized, but how can you really measure that? How do you know that you have reached your potential? This concept is something I have really been questioning because I know that I personally will never settle. I always want to try and be a better version of myself and I have the feeling that I am not the only one. Does this mean I will never reach my potential as a human being? I would love to hear anyone’s opinion on this matter. What do you think?
Michelle Nix on Darwin's Theory: This, That, and the Other
11:48 pm, 10.03.10
I like the point you made about us making history for the future. I think sometimes we get too caught up in the little details that we forget the big picture. The theories we uncover and develop now will affect the big picture of psychology 25 years, 50 years, and 100 years from now. While we look to the future, like you said, we also must remember the past. I always liked the concept that you can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you have been. There are so many theories that have gotten us to the point we are at today and it is important we remember that.
Michelle Nix on Phineas Gage and The Soul
11:39 pm, 10.03.10
I think you pose very interesting questions about the concept of the soul in relation to personality and behavior. I honestly have no idea how you can explain Gage’s case where his personality completely changed. I guess I can give my opinion and hope that nothing like what happened to Gage ever happens to me. I do believe that the soul is a separate entity in human beings. I believe it is driven by something beyond the physical world and beyond what we can comprehend; therefore, it cannot completely being affected by the physical world. I think that even if we experienced a brain injury that changed who we were or what we thought, then we would still have this spiritual aspect inside us. I think we would still have a driving force deep within us that connects us to the One who created us. I don’t know if this answers your question, but they really stumped me too. Thanks for the post.
Michelle Nix on The Misbehavior of (Spiritual?) Organisms
11:15 pm, 09.19.10
I like the question you ask about humanity being inherently good or evil. I feel that there are many people that see the world we live in today and think humanity is inherently evil. I agree with your point that if we are made in God’s image, then we as humans must be inherently good. I also think that we have some sort of instinctual drift that pulls us to be a better person. I have heard testimonies that have in a way discussed this very idea. My aunt used to be a drug addict living a life she thought would bring her fulfillment and happiness. In actuality, it only brought more pain and suffering. She told me that finally something in her snapped. She was tired of being the person she was and knew there was something inside her that was better than who she had become. I believe that God and his ultimate love caused her to drift back to him. I know for many people this does not ever happen, but I feel that there are times where people’s instinct is to want more for the lives and desire to be better. In this case, I do feel God does give us the ability to, as you said, “drift back to him.”
Michelle Nix on Skeptics are my Heroes!
11:03 pm, 09.19.10
I personally do not consider myself a skeptic. I am more apt to follow my convictions and a feeling rather than doubt. I can see how it is important to have skeptics in the world because they often make great discoveries. They are willing to see for the real truth when others are not. I agree that they do unfairly get bashed for their ideas. However, I do believe it is important to have those beliefs and convictions at times. I think sometimes it can be good to just believe and trust in an idea. I appreciate your opinion and are convinced that there is some truth to what you are saying.
Michelle Nix on Reason and Religion
10:32 pm, 09.19.10
I had actually never heard of the Tillich Paradigm before your post. I find it very interesting. It is strange how the logical side of me thinks, “Oh that makes sense.” Yet, the spiritual side of me did not feel right. I agree that this type of reasoning for being a Christian defeats the whole purpose of God’s desire. He wants us to have a relationship with him and have faith in him. I think it is the blind faith that beings to separate us from reason and logic. There is a Jeremy Camp song that says “I will walk by faith even when I cannot see.” Your post really made me think about the importance of true faith. I think reason, if we get too caught up in it, can be a danger to our faith.
Michelle Nix on On the Allegory of the Cave
10:48 pm, 09.05.10
At first, I feel that our immediate reaction is to claim that we would never kill let alone scoff or judge someone for what they believe. However, I whole-heartedly agree that to some degree we are the people stuck in the cave with a closed mind. For example, I am ashamed to say that I have caught myself judging others for their ideas. I will sit and criticize the beliefs and opinions of others without even saying a word. I know that I did not go as far as killing someone who disagreed with me, but would I not be just as wrong? Who I am to be the judge of what is right or wrong? Who am I to judge what is truth and what is reality? I hate to think that I am ignorant and inflexible, but I know that there are times when I am that way. I agree that we are the ones that are chained in the cave with a possible way out, yet we are unwilling to take it because of the threat of something different. Even if the idea is something we believe is false, we need to eliminate the judgmental thoughts, words, or actions. I know that is something I definitely need to work on to be a better person and allow myself to break free from close-mindedness.
Michelle Nix on A modern translation of Epicureanism in the Church
10:22 pm, 09.05.10
I do think that relativism within the realm of Christianity can be dangerous. I see the whole concept that “truth is relative” is a way of adjusting what we believe to be true to accommodate our actions, morals, and ideas. I will forever respect the spirituality of others, but I know if I allow myself to be too open and too tolerant I could eventually wonder what it is I actually believe. For me, there is a difference for searching for real truth and searching for a truth that fits within my life. I want to constantly be searching, but also stand firm and hold fast to the faith I have been building for many years. I have always said that I never want to be a chameleon. I do not want to be that person that adapts and changes according to their surroundings and environment. I have seen some of my friends struggle with that very concept. It is like they woke up one day and questioned everything they were ever taught. Their truth was relative to the people they were around and the ideas that others believed. With relativism in accordance with faith, I think you will find a person that is ever-changing, but lacks a critical foundation. It is the foundation of truth in God that will allow us to grow and change spiritually, yet keep us from becoming lukewarm.
Michelle Nix on Views on the Cave
9:57 pm, 09.05.10
I find both concepts very interesting. I think I agree with you and Dr. McAnulty more that the Cave is a search for knowledge and truth. I believe that the Cave can represent many aspects such as being enslaved or having a false sense of reality. I also agree with the idea that we at times become outcast after becoming enlightened. I think that the most difficult part of searching for knowledge and truth is being cast as an outsider. In a simple example, we can look at the story of Noah. God spoke to (enlightened) Noah and told him to build an ark. Everyone thought he was crazy and he became a pariah to those around him. In the end, Noah was right and God’s glory was revealed. I think the Cave was illustrating that very idea with the man who broke his chains and entered the real world. He was seen as an outcast, but never felt the urge to turn back once he received truth and knowledge which illustrates the power of enlightenment.
I do find all the different views on the Cave very interesting. It is amazing the different ways and ideas people point out. Like you, I am interested in hearing any other opinions on what the Cave means to them.