This book explores how living in accordance with the main ideals (wealth, fame, social power) of our individualistic meritocratic society comes at the expense of our psychological richness. To protect or restore this richness, the mainstream conception of success has to be extended beyond the standard definition. The experience of success is too precious to keep it restricted within the imprisoning walls of the individualistic self. There are more ways to be successful. We have arrived in an era where success in life needs the inclusion of three main components: the success of the other person, the diversity of our value system beyond economic values, and the survival success of nature". The book is distinctive in that it gives a profound treatment of the reasons why many people feel discontented about the restrictive emphasis on individual success and excellence. It deals not only with the limitations of meritocracy but also offers pathways to deal with them.

Explores how living working toward the ideals our individualistic society comes at the expense of psychological richness Addresses why many people feel discontented with the restrictive emphasis on individual success and excellence Deals not only with the limitations of meritocracy but also offers pathways to deal with them

Autorentext

Hubert J.M. Hermans is the founder of Dialogical Self Theory and one of the most prominent figures in narrative psychology, based in The Netherlands. As full Professor of Psychology he was associated with the Radboud University of Nijmegen. In 2002 he was decorated as Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion for exceptional scientific achievements in the service of society. Hermans is the first author of around 200 publications, mainly on the Self-Confrontation Method and Dialogical Self Theory. His work has been translated into nine languages.

Klappentext

This is a wonderful, powerful and important book. Hermans comprehensively re-evaluates the meaning of 'success', suggesting we shift from treating it as a toxic tunnel of individualism to understanding it instead as an interconnected and variegated landscape. Sharply observed, multidisciplinary, and drawing on a huge range of extensive research, this book has a sparkling lucidity that makes it both highly accessible and a joy to read.

Jo Littler , author of Against Meritocracy: Culture, Power and Myths of Mobility

Inspired by his seminal work on Dialogical Self Theory, Hubert Hermans cleverly sheds light on the 'success' tunnel people get stuck in and reminds us of our inherent richness and capacity to create our passionate and relational path in life and work. The provocative, critical and yet smooth and engaging tone of the book is a true triumph in itself, beyond success!

Mahtab Janfada , Senior Lecturer in Languages and Literacies Education, University of Melbourne, Australia

This book explores how living in accordance with the main ideals (wealth, fame, social power) of our individualistic meritocratic society comes at the expense of our psychological richness. To protect or restore this richness, the mainstream conception of success has to be extended beyond the standard definition. The experience of success is too precious to keep it restricted within the imprisoning walls of the individualistic self. There are more ways to be successful. We have arrived in an era where success in life needs the inclusion of three main components: the success of the other person, the diversity of our value system beyond economic values, and the survival success of nature". The book is distinctive in that it gives a profound treatment of the reasons why many people feel discontented about the restrictive emphasis on individual success and excellence. It deals not only with the limitations of meritocracy but also offers pathways to deal with them.

Hubert J.M. Hermans is the founder of Dialogical Self Theory and one of the most prominent figures in narrative psychology, based in The Netherlands. As full Professor of Psychology he was associated with the Radboud University of Nijmegen. In 2002 he was decorated as Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion for exceptional scientific achievements in the service of society. Hermans is the author of around 200 publications and his work has been translated into nine languages.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Shadow Sides of our Standard Definition of Success.- Chapter 3: Breaking Through the Tunnel of Meritocratic Individualism.- Chapter 4: Success, Happiness, and the Value of Sadness.- Chapter 5: From Obsessive to Harmonious Passion.- Chapter 6: 7 Interviews: Success and Failure as Personal Experience.- Chapter 7 : Psychological Richness and Redefining our Value System.