Dimensions of a New Identity

by Erik H. Erikson

The 1st lecture, entitled "The Founders: Jeffersonion Action & Faith," Erikson uses selected themes from Jefferson's life to illustrate some principles of psychohistory. The 2nd lecture, "The Inheritors: Modern Insight & Foresight," applies his main concepts to the problems of ongoing history. The title of the lectures contains one such concept. "New identity" is the result of radical historical change & is meant to characterize the emerging American identity as embodied in such men as Jefferson. Erikson explores certain themes in his examination of the emerging American identity during Jefferson's time. He then attempts to relate the Jeffersonian themes to contemporary problems of repression & suppression, of moralistic vindication & true liberation by insight. Finally, he maintains that now that children will be born by the privileged choice of parental persons, an adult environment fitting the living & the to-be-living becomes an ethical necessity. There's no question this work ranks among his most challenging & seminal books.

Genres: Psychology

127 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1974

About the author

Erik Erikson was a German-born American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychosocial development of human beings. He may be most famous for coining the phrase identity crisis. His son, Kai T. Erikson, is a noted American sociologist.

Although Erikson lacked even a bachelor's degree, he served as a professor at prominent institutions such as Harvard and Yale.

Reviews

[Joshua]

Very insightful.