Transcending Self-Interest: Psychological Explorations of the Quiet Ego

by Heidi A. Wayment (Editor), Jack Bauer (Editor)

For decades social scientists have observed that Americans are becoming more selfish, headstrong, and callous. Instead of lamenting a cultural slide toward narcissism, Transcending Self-Interest: Psychological Explorations of the Quiet Ego provides a constructive framework for understanding—and conducting research on—both the problems of egocentrism and ways of transcending it.

Heidi A. Wayment and Jack J. Bauer have assembled a group of contributors who are helping to reshape how the field of psychology defines the self in the 21st Century. In the spirit of positive psychology, these authors call us to move beyond individualistic and pathological notions of self versus other. Their theories and research suggest two paths to this (1) balancing the needs of self and others in one's everyday life and (2) developing compassion, nondefensive self-awareness, and interdependent self-identity. At the end of these converging paths lies a quiet ego—an ego less concerned with self-promotion than with the flourishing of both the self and others. Readers will find in this volume inspiration not only for future work in psychology but also for their own efforts toward personal development.

Genres: Psychology

263 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of articles that provides clear examples of more peaceful ways of being. I wish I had found it earlier! It is part of a much needed balance against simplistic assumptions of egocentrism. Self-Compassion and Self-Development Through Selflessness were particularly interesting. One of the potential solutions to collective angst mentioned involves emphasizing dual membership in one's own group(s) as well as more inclusive groups.

[Isaac Lindenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great text for aspiring and current psychologists