A fortunate self-actualised man: A psycho-biographical study of Yuan Longping

Abstract

To develop a psycho-biographical profile on Yuan Longping, a tireless hybrid rice research scientist, we performed a content analysis of personality adjectives. For dependability of the analysis, we utilised the methods of “prototypical scenes” and “key factors of growth”. Our analysis suggests Yuan Longping’s primary personality traits include optimism, selflessness, generosity, carefree, spontaneousness, and innovativeness. Influences on his predispositions were quite varied and spanned a caring family with abundant financial resources, harmonious relationships, a knowledge-oriented environment, and a loving mother. These personal, material, and relationship affordances helped Yuan Longping overcome adversities in personal life, with thriving and self-actualisation as a hybrid rice research scientist.