Rollo May
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rollo Reece May, commonly known simply as Rollo May, was a pioneering figure in the field of psychology, particularly known for his work in existential psychology. His contributions have left a lasting impact on how human existence and personal growth are understood within the psychological community.
Birth and Death Dates
Rollo May was born on April 21, 1909, in Ada, Ohio, USA, and he passed away on October 22, 1994, in Tiburon, California, USA. His life spanned a period of significant change and development in the field of psychology, during which he became a leading voice in existential and humanistic psychology.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rollo May was an American psychologist and author. He is best known for his role as a psychotherapist and a writer, whose works have influenced both academic and popular understandings of psychology. May's approach was deeply rooted in existential philosophy, which he adeptly integrated into psychological practice.
Early Life and Background
Rollo May grew up in a small town in Ohio, where he faced a challenging childhood marked by family instability. Despite these early difficulties, he pursued higher education with determination. May attended Oberlin College, where he earned his undergraduate degree. His academic journey was interrupted by a brief stint as an art teacher in Greece, where he encountered existential philosophy, which would later shape his professional life.
Upon returning to the United States, May pursued theological studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. However, his interest in psychology soon took precedence, leading him to study at Columbia University, where he earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. This diverse educational background laid the foundation for his unique approach to psychology, blending existential philosophy with therapeutic practice.
Major Accomplishments
Rollo May's major accomplishments lie in his ability to bridge existential philosophy and psychology. He was instrumental in introducing existential psychology to the United States, a field that emphasizes the human experience, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning. May's work challenged the deterministic views of behaviorism and psychoanalysis, advocating instead for a more holistic understanding of human beings.
One of his significant contributions was his role in founding the New York Association for Existential Psychology. Through this organization, he helped foster a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to exploring existential themes in psychology. May also served as a faculty member at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University and the New School for Social Research, where he influenced countless students and colleagues.
Notable Works or Actions
Rollo May authored several influential books that have become classics in the field of psychology. His seminal work, "Love and Will" (1969), explores the complexities of human relationships and the interplay between love and willpower. This book received widespread acclaim and solidified May's reputation as a leading thinker in existential psychology.
Another notable work, "The Courage to Create" (1975), delves into the creative process and the courage required to bring new ideas into existence. May's writings often emphasized the importance of confronting existential anxieties and embracing the uncertainties of life as a path to personal growth and fulfillment.
Impact and Legacy
Rollo May's impact on psychology is profound and enduring. He is credited with bringing existential thought into mainstream psychological discourse, offering a counterpoint to the more mechanistic approaches of his time. His emphasis on the individual's capacity for self-awareness, choice, and responsibility has influenced a wide range of therapeutic practices.
May's legacy is also evident in the continued relevance of his writings, which are still widely read and studied by students, therapists, and anyone interested in the human condition. His ideas have inspired subsequent generations of psychologists and have contributed to the development of humanistic psychology, which prioritizes personal growth and self-actualization.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rollo May is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the human psyche and his eloquent articulation of existential themes. His ability to convey complex philosophical ideas in an accessible manner has made his work appealing to both professionals and the general public. May's quotes often reflect his deep understanding of the human struggle for meaning and the courage required to live authentically.
His writings continue to resonate with those seeking to understand the intricacies of human existence, making him a timeless figure in psychology. Rollo May's legacy endures not only through his contributions to existential psychology but also through the enduring wisdom found in his words, which continue to inspire and challenge individuals to explore the depths of their own lives.
Quotes by Rollo May
Rollo May's insights on:
One person with indigenous inner strength exercises a great calming effect on panic among people around him.
Finding the center of strength within ourselves is in the long run the best contribution we can make to our fellow men.
It is amazing how many hints and guides and intuitions for living come to the sensitive person who has ears to hear what his body is saying.
We must be fully committed, but we must also be aware at the same time that we might possibly be wrong. People who claim to be absolutely convinced that their stand is the only right one... is a dead giveaway of unconscious doubt. Commitment is healthiest when it is not without doubt, but in spite of doubt.
Human freedom involves our capacity to pause between the stimulus and response and, in that pause, to choose the one response toward which we wish to throw our weight. The capacity to create ourselves, based upon this freedom, is inseparable from consciousness or self-awareness
Vanity and narcissism the compulsive need to be admired and praised undermine one's courage, for one then fights on someone else's conviction rather than one's own.
The hallmark of courage in our age of conformity is the capacity to stand on one's convictions— not obstinately or defiantly, nor as a gesture of retaliation, but simply because these are what one believes.
Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing