Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization

The media could not be loaded. By Graciela Livas and Tabitha MolettMore than a self-help book, Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization is an invitation to explore an inspiring new take on Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman engages readers in an enticing conversation, urging them to discover their most authentic self and embrace it with full force: “If you truly wish to self-actualize — and even transcend — in your own style, driven by the desire for growth, exploration, purpose, creativity, and love for all of humanity, then keep reading ...” he writes.Kaufman proposes a reconceptualization of the model, interweaving personal narratives, historical accounts, ethnographic studies, cognitive neuroscience research, practical self-evaluation scales, and humanistic psychology to challenge traditional understandings of the pyramid-style hierarchy. Dr. Kaufman points out, “Maslow emphasized that we are always in a state of becoming and that one’s ‘inner core’ consists merely of ‘potentialities, not final actualizations’ that are ‘weak, subtle, and delicate, very easily drowned out by learning, by cultural expectations, by fear, by disapproval, etc.,’ and which can all too easily become forgotten, neglected, unused, overlooked, unverbalized, or suppressed. Maslow made it clear that human maturation is an ongoing process and that growth is ‘not a sudden, saltatory phenomenon’ but is often two steps forward and one step back.”In spite of the cerebral subject matter, Kaufman’s winsome style gives his narrative the quality of a walk on the beach with a friend. He smoothly mingles intricate and complex principles of humanistic psychology with his takes on modern scientific research findings and other related fields. He explores the role that fear and anxiety have on personal health, learning, and growth, challenging the reader to examine their own attachments, patterns, and mindsets as they strive to become the best versions of themselves.The author meets readers where they are, providing self-evaluation measures that enable them to identify their current position within this new dynamic hierarchy of needs. “I believe in the fundamental capacity of humans for growth. ... .I believe that this book can help you grow, in your own style, and in such a way that allows you to show the universe that you really existed, and benefited others, while you were here.”Kaufman’s guidance helps readers embark on their own unique voyages on the sea of life, one that goes beyond self-actualization and ventures into transcendence, all the while reminding us that “we should recognize our common humanity” in order to increase our life satisfaction. In other words, by consistently improving ourselves and positively contributing to society, we become more selfless as individuals and more interconnected as a collective human race.Presented as a road map for personal fulfillment, the model uses the metaphor of a sailboat — a triangle atop a half-circle — to highlight the existence of two distinct categories of needs, those dealing with “security” and those pertaining to “growth.” This “fundamentally human” approach enables an invigorating exploration into healthy transcendence and integration of one’s entire being, concluding with practical and accessible principles and resources, such as “Theory Z,” which imparts an inspiring vision of human potential. Transcend is for everyone who is interested in opening their sails and exploring life’s possibilities through self-fulfilment and connection to others.

When positive psychology was founded, humanistic psychology was ignored due to its lack of empirical evidence. Scott Barry Kaufmann, with his incredibly broad and deep expertise, addresses that by discussing contemporary research on issues raised by Maslow and others, e.g., safety, connection, self-esteem, etc. He has single-handedly revived humanistic psychology by giving it empirical, prompting one reviewer to aptly call his approach "Maslow 2.0." (Spoiler alert: Maslow did not create the triangular "Hierarchy of Needs" that you probably ascribe to him.)I first listened to author Scott Barry Kaufman read the Audible version--and at the end was so inspired that I bought a hard copy to review the many nuggets, from his sailboat metaphor to questionnaires to growth exercises. Transcend is so rich and beautifully written that it bears re-reading and discussion--which is what my coaching colleagues and I are doing in our book club, formed expressly to deepen our understanding of humanistic psychology and facilitate transformational changes in ourselves and our clients.As a former psych professor, I know that students take psychology hoping that it will actually address real human needs and aspirations--only to be disillusioned. If you found Psych 101 a little thin on insights for living the Good Life, read this book for science-based ideas on how to understand and develop humans.

I highly recommend this book. Transcend is a labor of love that shares wisdom, not just information. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman encourages us to embrace the journey towards transcendence and creativity, and more importantly, he provides context and practical advice to people who want to take that journey. Dr. Kaufman is leading a counterculture of inspiration during a time in which the marketplace rewards incitement. This book turns abstract humanistic values and ideals into a thoughtful lesson plan. Transcend, along with Dr. Kaufman's podcast and other writings, is a source of incredibly helpful reading recommendations, which can be a blessing or a curse for the insatiably curious.Dr. Kaufman is at the forefront of exploring and illustrating the value of embracing and integrating neurodiversity in education and society. Towards the end of a career in executive management, I tried to emulate mentors who nurtured both technical competence and general self-actualization. As an inexperienced leader, I wanted to develop people into the Luisa character described in this book. Eventually, I came to see that people were transcending on their own terms, even if it did not look like a certain ideal. A wise man once said, “students who demonstrate a very specific manifestation of intelligence flourish, while those who deviate tend to fall between the cracks.” I’m wondering if the same can be said about how we frame education on the subject of transcendence.

I'm not typically a "self-help" book kinda guy, but theres good wisdom in Scott Barry Kaufman's "Transcend." From unpacking Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs to exploring how to move past common psychological barriers, it's an interesting read.Self-actualization, the idea of constantly working to find your place in the world and get better at what you truly enjoy doing in life, is a critical part of living your best life. I'm not sure if this book really helps you pursue that concept, but it does provide some interesting academic information about the idea.

Kaufman delivers every time. Imagine a world where each human serves from the depths of who they are- from agency to communion-and the exponential impact this brings to our collective table. A must- read; Devour it!

Es muy y buen libro, realmente recomendable. Lo disfruté mucho.

This is a fantastic update, overview and journey through Humanistic Psychology and specifically the work and life of Abraham Maslow. This will work for both newcomers to this domain of psychology and advanced readers. The book is filled with insights and reviews of the literature and does a brilliant job of linking the foundational texts of Maslow and others like Rollo May and Carl Rogers with the latest research in psychology and neuroscience.I've been longing for a current book to update what we know on humanistic psychology. The book also has a wealth of practice-based assessments and tools for those looking to learn more about themselves or others through a humanistic or transpersonal lens. The Appendices are enormous and very rich with information. This is an essential read for anyone interested in humanistic psychology and understanding how to be more connected to themselves in the present day.

For the last few years, I’ve read a wide range of spiritual and self-development books. Transcend felt like the perfect synthesis of all the core themes of these books, all through the lens of psychology and Maslow’s work. If you love self development and are spiritual, while still having a scientific and academic mind, this book is for you!

Transformative book. Weaving together science, psychology, and philosophy to explore the fascinating concept of self-actualization, with it's ever wonderful prose, it makes complex ideas availble to all.What truly sets this book apart is its focus on the practical application of self-actualization principles. Kaufman doesn't stop at theory; he provides readers with actionable strategies and exercises that can be integrated into their daily lives. It's not just about understanding self-actualization; it's about becoming a self-actualized person, and "Transcend" is your roadmap to achieving that.A must-read for anyone interested in unlocking their full potential and understanding the depths of human nature.

I'm amazed by the quality of research and reasoning.I'm only at the first quarter of the book and decided to take a break in order to make some self-work before continuing, as it already got me inspired.Book worth every bucks. I'll probably read it again multiple times in my lifetime.