What a gift the human self is, enables you to sense and reflect upon your own existence,

examine the past and plan for the future, check certain impulses in order to reach for

other aims, and conceptualize how others see you, allowing you to better connect with

them.

But, my guess says, the blessing of the self also comes with the curse.

One we need to get a handle on if we're to live flourishing lives.

Same as Mark Leary, he's a professor emeritus of psychology and neuroscience in the author

of the curse of the self, self-awareness, egotism, and the quality of human life.

Today on the show, Mark compacts exactly what the self is and its vital benefits before

delving into the downsides that also come with having the self.

Mark then shares how people can make the most of the advantages of the self while mitigating

its disadvantages, including the practice he most recommends for quieting the kinds of

self-related thoughts and ego-driven behaviors that can make us miserable.

After the show is over, check out our show notes at a-wim.is slash self.

All right, Mark Leary, welcome to the show.

Thank you so much.

Appreciate being here.

So, you are a psychologist who has spent a lot of time researching, thinking about writing

about the self or our sense of self.

And this is something I think most people take for granted.

The idea that they are yourself, that they have a self.

And I think if you'd ask most people on the street, like, what is the self?

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