I’ve always been interested in the study of psychology and in recent years have been focusing on personal growth. So, when I became aware of this book, Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, by Scott Barry Kaufman, I thought it was a perfect fit for me.

The book is filled with fascinating stories about Abraham Maslow and his research. He developed the hierarchy of needs, and like most people, I’ve referred to it as a pyramid of stepping stones to reach self-actualization. This book taught me that my understanding and application of the hierarchy of needs was incorrect. A business transformed Maslow’s work into a misguided pyramid. Now I understand that Maslow intended to convey one’s hierarchy as a fluid process, and this makes so much more sense.

Dr. Kaufman, a psychologist, studied Maslow’s unfinished work on his theory of transcendence and integrated it with current research. The efforts of his work reveal a new application of the hierarchy of needs; one that focuses on an individual’s sense of purpose and fulfillment. I appreciate Dr, Kaufman’s emphasis that desires to be wealthy, famous, or even happy, are the not focus of transcendence. The goal is quite simple; to be the best version of our human selves.

As Dr. Kaufman explains each concept, he provides a list of questions to help the reader gain insight. He thoroughly addresses many topics from safety, connecting with others, self-esteem, love, and end of life. Naturally, many research projects are explained and he consulted with other experts in the field. For instance, Dr. Kaufman referred to Sharon Salzberg’s work on love. She is a Buddhist teacher and practitioner of loving kindness. I am a huge fan of her books and teachings.

I appreciate how Dr. Kaufman normalized the human struggles with loneliness and narcissism, for example. He presents the theory in a way that allows the reader to gain insight about themselves without insinuating any shame. The entire book was informative and helpful. He closes with a list of reminders that, as he says, are truly timeless. Reading this last portion left me in a very thoughtful space with warm feelings.

I purchased this audiobook from Audible. The author, Scott Barry Kaufman, narrates. While I generally enjoy audiobooks narrated by the author, I think it would have been a wise investment to hire a professional narrator.

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