Inspiration, Not Evaluation With Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman

In this episode, we dig into some of the science behind intelligence, IQ, and peak potential, and explore Dr. Kaufman's ideas around self-actualization and the sailboat of human needs. We touched on the importance of meaning and purpose in life, the tremendous impact belonging and positive relationships have on us, and explored notions of passion, authenticity and coherence. Finally, we didn’t miss the opportunity to chat with Dr. Kaufman about his ideas for a more humanistic approach to education, what he calls a system of inspiration, not evaluation.

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is one of the world’s most revered psychologists with a wide range of areas of expertise, including his academic work on intelligence, self-actualization, and the satisfaction of our most core human needs. Dr. Kaufman has published nine books and countless peer-reviewed and popular articles for Psychology Today, Scientific American, and other publications. He is the creator and host of The Psychology Podcast. Kaufman has taught courses on well-being and intelligence at Columbia, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania. In his most recent book, Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, he revisits Abraham Maslow’s work and proposes a new conceptualization of human needs.

Website: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/

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Twitter: @sbkaufman

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Course: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/course/

[4:35] What is SBK About

[7:45] Important components of intelligence

[8:28] Twice Exceptional Children

[12:08] Are there multiple paths to greatness?

[14:34] Sailboat Metaphor Overview

[17:15] Richard Wiseman’s research on luck

[17:50] Science of connection & meaning

[21:05] Inspiration for Transcend: Going Beyond the Self

[24:52] Meaning and purpose

How young people feel about school - Study done by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

[27:27] Sailboat Metaphor in Schools

[27:49]  Humanistic Education

[29:46] Goals - have some vision of what you are setting sail to

[31:14] Ikigai - Reason for being

[33:43-36:25] Psychologically Rich Life

[37:07] Getting out of comfort Zone - Karen Horney - Self-analysis

[39:00] Criticisms of Carol Dweck and growth mindset -  The Psychology Podcast

[40:10] Primary Core Drivers (Status Driven, Security Driven, or Growth Driven)