Social psychologist and Stanford professor Brian Lowery presents a provocative, powerful theory of identity, arguing that there is no essential "self"—our selves are social creations of those with whom we interact —exploring what that means for who we can be and who we allow others to be.

There’s nothing we spend more time with, but understand less, than ourselves. You’ve been with yourself every waking moment of your life. But who—or, rather, what—are you? In this podcast, Brian Lowery argues for the radical idea that the “self” as we know it—that “voice in your head”—is a social construct, created in our relationships and social interactions. We are unique because our individual pattern of relationships is unique. We change because our relationships change. Your self isn’t just you, it’s all around you.

Brian's book, Selfless: The Social Creation of “You”, is available now!

Check out more about Brian at https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/experience/learning/leadership/leadership-society-program and knowwhatyousee.com.

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What does it mean to be you? A powerful exploration of identity with Stanford psychologist Brian Lowery 59:19 Share

Smart People Podcast

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What does it mean to be you? A powerful exploration of identity with Stanford psychologist Brian Lowery