The Protean Self: Human Resilience In An Age Of Fragmentation - Hardcover

Lifton, Robert J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0465064205 ISBN 13: 9780465064205

Publisher: Basic Books, 1993

Synopsis

”Proteanism” or the protean self describes a psychological phenomenon integral to our times. We live in a world marked by breathtaking historical change and instantaneous global communication. Our lives seem utterly unpredictable: there are few absolutes. Rather than collapsing under these threats and pulls, Robert Jay Lifton tells us, the self turns out to be remarkably resilient. Like the Greek god Proteaus, who was able to change shape in response to crisis, we create new psychological combinations, immersing ourselves in fresh and surprising endeavors over our lifetimes.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Based on interviews with people ranging from civic leaders to members of the "underclass" as well as examples from literature, this book eloquently describes how ordinary as well as extraordinary individuals are able to take on new personal roles and goals, and, like Proteus, change shape in response to crisis.

About the Author:

Robert Jay Lifton is Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at John Jay College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He is also director of the Center on Violence and Human Survival. Dr. Lifton is the author of many books, including The Nazi Doctors and Death in Life: Survivors of Hiroshima, which won the National Book Award.

About this edition

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0465064205
• ISBN 13: 9780465064205
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272