What does it mean to be you? A powerful exploration of identity with Stanford psychologist Brian Lowery

What does it mean to be you? A powerful exploration of identity with Stanford psychologist Brian Lowery

Author: Smart People Industries May 23, 2023 Duration: 59:19
Social psychologist and Stanford professor Brian Lowery presents a provocative, powerful theory of identity, arguing that there is no essential "self"—our selves are social creations of those with whom we interact —exploring what that means for who we can be and who we allow others to be. There’s nothing we spend more time with, but understand less, than ourselves. You’ve been with yourself every waking moment of your life. But who—or, rather, what—are you? In this podcast, Brian Lowery argues for the radical idea that the “self” as we know it—that “voice in your head”—is a social construct, created in our relationships and social interactions. We are unique because our individual pattern of relationships is unique. We change because our relationships change. Your self isn’t just you, it’s all around you. Brian's book, Selfless: The Social Creation of “You”, is available now! Check out more about Brian at https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/experience/learning/leadership/leadership-society-program and knowwhatyousee.com. Support the Show - Become a Patron! Help us grow and become a Patron today: https://www.patreon.com/smartpeoplepodcast Sponsors: Notion - For a limited time, try Notion AI for free when you go to Notion.com/smart BetterHelp - This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/smart today to get 10% off your first month. LinkedIn - Try LinkedIn Sales Navigator and get a sixty-day free trial at LinkedIn.com/SMARTPEOPLE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every other week, Chris Stemp and Jon Rojas sit down with a guest who has fundamentally shaped their field, driven not by a rigid agenda but by genuine curiosity. The Smart People Podcast from Smart People Industries is built on the idea that the most compelling insights emerge from relaxed, authentic dialogue. You’ll hear authors, innovators, and cultural leaders-each with significant recognition in areas like business, education, or society-speak in a way that often feels more like a fascinating dinner conversation than a formal interview. Chris’s thoughtful questioning, paired with Jon’s producer perspective, gently guides discussions into unexpected territories, revealing the personal journeys and nuanced ideas behind public achievements. This podcast thrives in the space between expertise and accessibility, making complex topics relatable without sacrificing depth. It’s for anyone who believes that learning is a continuous, engaging process, and that the best lessons come from listening to people who think differently. Tune in biweekly for conversations that are as intellectually substantial as they are genuinely enjoyable, reminding us that smart discourse can be both enlightening and warmly human.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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