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3 - The psychology of wisdom: an evolutionary interpretation
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- By Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, University of Chicago, Kevin Rathunde, University of Chicago
- Edited by Robert J. Sternberg, Yale University, Connecticut
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- Book:
- Wisdom
- Published online:
- 05 June 2012
- Print publication:
- 27 April 1990, pp 25-51
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Summary
In the attempt to illuminate what wisdom is about, we shall adopt a method that, for lack of a better term, we might call “evolutionary hermeneutics.“ This method is based on the assumption that concepts relating to the evaluation of human behavior – such as virtue, courage, freedom, or wisdom – and that have been used for many centuries under very different social and historical conditions are likely to have adaptive value for humankind. The method is based on the further assumption that to understand the significance of such concepts, it is advantageous to compare their meanings across time, in order to identify invariant components as well as possible variations in response to differing conditions in the surrounding cultural environment.
To find out what we mean by wisdom at the end of the 20th century is important, but it is not sufficient. No matter how advanced we think we are in terms of understanding the human psyche compared to former times, we still only have access to a limited cross section of the growing branch of knowledge. To ignore the hard-won insights of the past about issues that are vital for survival is like blinding ourselves on purpose out of false pride.
A simple example may help illustrate this point. Up to a few generations ago, children in our culture were warned against promiscuous sexuality, especially of a homosexual kind.
21 - Optimal experience and the family context
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- By Kevin Rathunde, University of Chicago
- Edited by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, University of Chicago, Isabella Selega Csikszentmihalyi
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- Book:
- Optimal Experience
- Published online:
- 05 June 2012
- Print publication:
- 26 August 1988, pp 342-363
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Summary
Many studies have attempted to understand the influence of the family by observing its impact on a child's behavior; they have left – hidden from view – the subjective experience of the child. Although valuable insights have been gained through behavioral observations, the present study adopts the Experience Sampling Method (Csikszentmihalyi, Larson, & Prescott 1977) to begin filling in this subjective aspect of our understanding of the family. There has been a convergence of thought in several disciplines around the simple idea that a person's subjective interpretation of a situation will influence subsequent behavior. Paradigm shifts in philosophy (Langer 1957), the social sciences (Taylor 1979), and developmental thought about children and families (Maccoby 1980) have stressed individuals' active role in defining their environment. Thus to understand the influence of the family context, it is important to know how it affects the way children subjectively interpret their current situations.
The flow model (Csikszentmihalyi 1975b) focuses on one kind of interpretation of a situation – the ability to find in it opportunities for meaningful action or challenge – which leads to the optimal experience of flow and appears to have many healthy and beneficial consequences, including a path for differentiation and growth (Csikszentmihalyi 1982a). How might a family foster this form of interpretation – or way of paying attention – in its children?
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