Rollo May, an influential American psychologist, was a leading proponent of existential psychology. His writings and therapeutic practices emphasized the human experience, personal responsibility, and the quest for meaning. May's work has had a lasting impact on the field of psychology and continues to inspire therapists and scholars.
"The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity."
"If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself."
"Joy, rather than happiness, is the goal of life, for joy is the emotion which accompanies our fulfilling our natures as human beings. It is based on the experience of one's identity as a being of worth and dignity."
"Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing."
"Care is a state in which something does matter; it is the source of human tenderness."
"Creativity is not merely the innocent spontaneity of our youth and childhood; it must also be married to the passion of the adult human being, which is a passion to live beyond one's death."
"The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it's not without doubt but in spite of doubt."
"Freedom is man's capacity to take a hand in his own development. It is our capacity to mold ourselves."