The curse of the self : self-awareness, egotism, and the quality of human life

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Title:

The curse of the self : self-awareness, egotism, and the quality of human life

Author:

Leary, Mark R.

ISBN:

9780195325447

9780195172423

Personal Author:

Leary, Mark R.

Publication Information:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2004.

Physical Description:

vii, 226 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.

Contents:

The self-aware animal -- Living in two worlds -- Through the eyes of the ego -- Making ourselves miserable -- When selves collide -- Risking life and limb -- Religion and morality -- The self out of control -- Bringing out the best in the self.

Abstract:

"Is it possible to manage our self-reflection in a way that will minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantages? Is there a way to control the egoistic self through self-reflection? In The Curse of the Self, Mark Leary explores the personal and social problems that are created by self-reflection, and, by drawing upon psychology and other behavioral sciences, offers insights into how these problems can be minimized."--BOOK JACKET.

Subject Term:

Self.

Egoism.

Conduct of life.

Electronic Access:

Publisher description http://www.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy0614/2003059249-d.html

Copies:

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Item Barcode	Shelf Number	Copy	Status
Searching... 1:IIEMSA	1:GEN-BOOK	33168023685619	155.2 L438C 2004	1	Searching... Unknown

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Summary

Despite its obvious advantages, our ability to be self-reflective comes at a high price. Few people realize how profoundly their lives are affected by self-reflection or how frequently inner chatter interferes with their success, pollutes their relationships with others, and undermines their happiness. By allowing people to ruminate about the past or imagine what might happen in the future, self-reflection conjures up a great deal of personal suffering in the form of depression, anxiety, anger, jealousy, and other negative emotions. A great deal of unhappiness, in the form of addictions, overeating, and domestic violence, is due to people's inability to exert control over their thoughts and behavior. Is it possible to direct our self-reflection in a way that will minimize the disadvantages and maximize the advantages? Is there a way to affect the egotistical self through self-reflection? In this volume, Mark Leary explores the personal and social problems that are created by the capacity for self-reflection, and by drawing upon psychology and other behavioral sciences, offers insights into how these problems can be minimized.