The Evolving Self

by Robert Kegan
The Evolving Self cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Psychology and Human Behavior
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4134
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780674272316
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press
  • Published: 1982-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Evolving Self delves into the fascinating interplay between cognitive processes and emotional experiences that shape who we are. This insightful examination reveals how our thoughts and feelings intertwine to drive personal growth and transformation. /n/n Authored by a renowned expert in the field, this book offers a comprehensive look at the psychological mechanisms behind human development. It challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of the self and the continuous evolution of identity.

Reviews
John Saunders - Medium · John Saunders · 2025-10-21
profound 4.50

The book had a profound impact, challenging the reader's perspective on self-construction. It is described as a transformative read that shakes up conventional thinking.

John Saunders shares that this book profoundly affected him, shaking up his understanding of self-construction. He highlights Kegan's exploration of how individuals relate to their environment, describing it as a transformative read. Saunders appreciates the depth of Kegan's insights, which challenge conventional thinking and offer a new lens through which to view personal development. The book's impact is evident in Saunders' reflection, making it a compelling read for those interested in personal growth and psychology.

Quick quotes

    This book profoundly affected me. It shook me up.

    Kegan describes the way we construct our selves in relation to our environment.

    It's a transformative read that challenges conventional thinking.

Book Thoughts - Ghost · 2022-10-08
challenging 4.00

The book is considered important and insightful but challenging to read. The reviewer found themselves re-reading paragraphs multiple times to grasp the concepts.

The reviewer at Book Thoughts - Ghost acknowledges the book's importance and the valuable insights it offers. However, they found it quite challenging to read, often needing to re-read paragraphs to fully understand the concepts. Despite the difficulty, the reviewer appreciates the depth of Kegan's work and its potential to provide a deeper understanding of personal development. The book's complexity is noted as a hurdle, but the effort is deemed worthwhile for the insights gained.

Quick quotes

    This book is really good, and (I think) really important, but damn was it hard for me to read.

    I found myself re-reading many paragraphs twice, sometimes three times.

    The effort is worthwhile for the insights gained.

Steve Thomason · Steve Thomason · 2014-02-22
profound 4.50

The book is described as a profound exploration of human existence, focusing on the activity of being human rather than just actions.

Steve Thomason highlights that the book is about human being as an activity, not just the actions humans perform. He appreciates Kegan's focus on the essence of human existence and the continuous process of self-evolution. Thomason finds the book's perspective refreshing and insightful, offering a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. The reviewer's appreciation for the book's philosophical depth is evident, making it a valuable read for those interested in existential and psychological theories.

Quick quotes

    This book is about human being as an activity.

    It is not about the doing which a human does; it is about the doing which a human is.

    A profound exploration of human existence.

Appears in Lists