A Review of the Book Titled “Who are We?\"

Abstract

A REVIEW OF THE BOOK TITLED WHO ARE WE? Written by Ron Dultz Published by Ron Dultz Publishing, P.O. Box 370985, Reseda, CA 91337, USA. Email: rondultzv@earthlink.net Introduction Can you think, feel, hope, dream, strategize and plan to make world a more humane place in which to live? Then, Who Are We by Ron Dultz (2007) is a must read for you. The book focuses on theory of need-based psychology, mental health and psychological essence of Human Nature. The book explores ways in which environment affects mental well being. It is an intriguing and interesting piece in content and delivery as well as an exciting portrait of human nature. The book is made up of an introduction and twelve chapters with varying discuss on issue of self as mental and emotional aspects of living one's life. Chapter One: The Self Dultz theory of self leans on foundations of Maslow (in towards a psychology of being, 2nd edition, 1968, p. 10 & 18) and Allport (Becoming, 1955, p. 17). The book adopts a philosophical, existential and humanist approach to psychology. Dultz opines that concept of self has a foundation in psychology and in thinking of people. Psychologically, Dultz traced history of concept of self to Williams Janes, Karen Horney, Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, and philosophically, to one of earliest maxism know myself. The author believes that search for self is not properly appreciated, comprehensive and vigorous in modern times. Although American Heritage dictionary 3rd edition defines self as 'ones total being', and Kar em Horney a psychologist perceives self as the original force towards growth and fulfillment (Neurosis and Human growth, 1950, Ph 158), Dultz observed that there is no official, scientific or incontrovertible definition of self. To him, Maslow presents first revolutionary approach to determining essence of self in his 1954 declaration that humans have a psychological identity which differs from their physical body. The scientific implications of Maslows observations of concept of self as a skeleton of psychological structure and identity are that it may be researched, studied, treated, discussed analogously with a physical structure. This conception of self as an entity with a form, component parts and functions provides impetus for research, analysis, experimentation and discovery. To Dultz, 'self or 'psyche' is an individual's mental and emotional essence which enables him/her to understand issues; take positions in thought and action; participate, interact, communicate; seek specific results; consequences, analyze plan or strategize. The 'self is that which makes a person a conscious being with motives, goals, belief system, attitudes, memory, history, habits, thoughts, feelings, moods, hopes, unique personality with talents, abilities, vulnerabilities, doubts, fears, courage, aesthetic appreciation and so on. It is an individual's identity as a conscious, thinking, and feeling being who is fully engaged in process of living life. Contents of Self In Dultz own view, self is more than Maslows skeleton of psychological structure. It is totality of a human's mental and emotional life which is proud and intensely alive; has great potential; great meaning, contents and elements. Dultz perceives elements of self as content of a tangible entity. The human self is a living entity with contents in different stages of development. Examples of contents of self are: motives, goals, attitudes, belief system, moods, habits, ideas, thought processes, preferences and inclinations, impulses, mental and emotional needs. Individuals self may be more or less: precise, developed, integrated, and equipped to guide and instruct its owner. The human self is marvelously complex, both mentally and emotionally, and is a storehouse of wondrous potential, ability and talent. …