Man’s Search for Himself

By: Rollo May

Narrated by: James Anderson Foster

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Loneliness, boredom, emptiness: These are the complaints that Rollo May encountered over and over from his patients. In response, he probes the hidden layers of personality to reveal the core of man's integration-a basic and inborn sense of value.

Man's Search for Himself is an illuminating view of our predicament in an age of overwhelming anxieties and gives guidance on how to choose, judge, and act during such times.

©1953 W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.; copyright 1981 by Rollo May (P)2019 Tantor

Rolly May brings the existentialism into life

Rolly May achieved which, in my opinion, Victor Frankl struggled to do. He made existentialism real to everyone and more importantly gave the therapist real "tools" to work with. But then this is only my opinion 😀

Steller

I feel this is what I needed. Clarity in a world of clutter. The quote that really stuck out “ the opposite of courage in our society is not coward mess but conformity”

The Blessing of Self

I love that this book sheds meaningful light on reasons behind feelings of emptiness and self hatred that I have personally experienced throughout my life. Rollo May clearly presents the relevant challenges to be overcome in order to actualize one's self that are based on desires for freedom and dignity. I don't like that he places such an emphasis on disgust toward subconscious incestuous desires and the Oedipus complex. Perhaps this is because I'm now aware of the pervasiveness of that reality in my life and how it has contributed to my malaise under the guise of respect and love for family. Anyway, some helpful practices he gives for development of the self are forming opinions, creating,, and being present in the moment.

Still relevant in this century

The author is very direct and to the point. By positing hard truths and asking for tough honest reflection, the reader has the opportunity for positive reflections on the big and small parts of life. I enjoyed the performance ok, sometimes I needed a break from the intensity of the narrator, but it did not detract from the story.

very relevant book for 2020

I loved the relevance of this book in 2020, gave me a lot of hope and bolstered my awareness that the change happens inside me first....my greatest blindspot

Living we purpose.

This book is a great example on how man should be living their lives. We must live with as much intention as possible. This is a must have.

Ageless Book

A fantastic philosophical and psychological book, helpful to anyone looking for deeper truths. I especially enjoyed the parts that normalize fear and anxiety as well as relating Ancient Greek myths to our experiences.

Worth multiple reads! (listens)

So much good stuff here. Excited to come back and see what hits home next time. Ours too is an age of increasing anxiety. All of this is so apt today because all of it is about being human regardless of the age.

Heavy Hitter

This author is strikingly familiar to our more contemporary Jordan Peterson. Since I avidly consume his work as well, it made the concepts even clearer.

Still so relevant and insightful in 2024

This is my first interaction with Rollo May's work, and I was very impressed at the insight he brings. I am a big fan of Irvin Yalom, who underwent analysis with May. After all of Yalom's references to him, I felt I had to read May myself, and I am very glad I did. Excellent for any therapists or professionals in mental health.