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 Selfless
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. Lowery uses this
research-driven perspective of selfhood to explore questions of inequity race gender
politics and power structures transforming our perceptions of how the world is and how it
could be. His theory offers insight into how powerful people manage their environment in
sophisticated often unconscious ways to maintain the status quo explains our competing
drives for deep social connection and personal freedom and answers profound personal
questions such as: Why has my sense of self evolved over time? Why do I sometimes stop short of
changes that I want to make in life? In Selfless Lowery persuasively breaks down common
assumptions and beliefs his insights are humbling. Despite what many may think we aren't
islands unto ourselves we are the creation of the many hands that touch us. We don't just
exist in communities we are created and shaped by them. Our highs and lows are not only our
own but belong to others as well. By recognizing that we are products of relationships?from
fleeting transactions to deep associations?we shatter the myth of individualism and free
ourselves to make our lives and the world accordingly.
