‘Independence’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life

In this continuing series on sense of self, Sarah Luczaj explores a piece of research comparing the well-being of Japanese and North American students, drawing conclusions about the roles of gratitude and peaceful disengagement.

In this second of the series on sense of self and how it differs across cultures, I am going to look at the interconnected or relational self, and how awareness of how interdependent we are might lead to fear of others.

There is a dogma that says, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. I think the reality is that what doesn’t kill you can leave you maimed.

Ultimately, people have power only over one thing: the execution of their free will.

I’d like to ask whether therapy can be positive. And I’d like to answer yes. This answer leads us smack bang into the realm of values.