In 'Existence,' Rollo May and his co-authors explore the profound questions of human existence, weaving together psychology, philosophy, and existential thought. They delve into the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world, confronting fears, love, and the necessity of choice. The authors challenge readers to confront their own existence and embrace the freedom that comes with acknowledging life's uncertainties. This thought-provoking work invites individuals to seek genuine fulfillment and authenticity. Discover how your own existence shapes the world around you and the importance of living a life full of purpose.
By Rollo May, Ernest Angel, Henri Frédéric Ellenberger
Published: 1958
"The failure to engage with the fundamental questions of existence is to relinquish the beauty of being alive; for in the struggle to understand ourselves, we find the essence of what it means to truly live."
"This book represents the fruition of four years labor--most of it, fortunately, a labor of love. The idea of translating these papers, originating with Ernest Angel, was welcomed by Basic Books because of their enthusiasm for bringing out significant new material in the sciences of man. I was glad to accept their invitation to participate as one of the editors since I, too, had long been convinced of the importance of making these works available in English, particularly at this crucial moment in the development of modern psychiatry and psychology. We asked Dr. Ellenberger to join us as the third editor because of his extensive knowledge of the literature of phenomenological and existential psychiatry and his clinical experience in using these methods in Switzerland. He and Mr. Angel are chiefly responsible for the selection of the particular papers translated. In our introductory chapters, Dr. Ellenberger and I have undertaken the task of making a bridge between these contributions and American psychiatry and psychology, while Mr. Angel has borne the major weight of the translations themselves"--Preface.
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“The failure to engage with the fundamental questions of existence is to relinquish the beauty of being alive; for in the struggle to understand ourselves, we find the essence of what it means to truly live.”
Existence
By Rollo May, Ernest Angel, Henri Frédéric Ellenberger
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Rollo May (1909-1994) was an influential American existential psychologist and author, known for his integration of existential philosophy into psychology. His notable works include 'Love and Will' (1969), 'The Courage to Create' (1975), and 'Man's Search for Himself' (1953). May's writing style is characterized by its profound insight into the human condition, blending scholarly analysis with lyrical prose, allowing readers to explore in-depth psychological and philosophical themes. His work has had a lasting impact on both psychology and literature, making him a significant figure in existential thought.
Ernest Angel is a distinguished author best known for his compelling psychological narratives and thought-provoking explorations of the human condition. His notable works include 'The Death of a Salesman' and 'The Stranger', where he intricately weaves themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Angel's writing style blends lyrical prose with deep philosophical insights, making his stories both engaging and intellectually stimulating. With a passion for delving into the intricacies of human emotions, Ernest Angel has earned a respected place in contemporary literature.
Henri Frédéric Ellenberger (1905-1993) was a pioneering Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst renowned for his contributions to the field of psychotherapy and the history of psychiatry. He is best known for his influential book, 'The Discovery of the Unconscious: The History and Evolution of Dynamic Psychiatry' (1970), which explored the development of psychoanalytic theory and the historical context of various psychiatric practices. Ellenberger's writing style is characterized by its depth of research, clarity, and a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on philosophy, history, and psychology to present a comprehensive view of the unconscious mind. His work has had a lasting impact on the understanding of psychodynamic therapy and remains a significant reference for students and professionals in mental health.
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