Rollo May
American existential psychologist, stating 'The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice, it is conformity.'
Most quoted
"The human being cannot live in a condition of emptiness for very long; if he is not growing toward something, he is usually dying toward something."
— from Man's Search for Himself, 1953
"The fully developed personality is one who can live in the present, learn from the past, and plan for the future."
— from Man's Search for Himself, 1953
"The first half of life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it."
— from Book, 1983
All quotes by Rollo May (100)
The creative process is a process of letting go.
The human being is the only creature who can reflect on his own existence.
The greatest danger to our freedom is indifference.
The experience of being loved is a fundamental human need.
The task of the therapist is to help the patient find his own meaning.
The courage to be is the courage to affirm oneself in spite of one's anxiety.
The creative act is a rebellion against the status quo.
The human being is a creature of paradox.
Anxiety is the price of freedom.
The purpose of life is to live it fully.
The symbol is the language of the unconscious.
The creative person is one who can tolerate ambiguity.
The human being is a being-in-the-world.
The capacity for self-awareness is what makes us human.
The experience of meaninglessness is a sign that we are not living authentically.
The neurotic is the person who is afraid to be himself.
The creative act is an act of faith.
The human being is a being of possibilities.
The greatest freedom is the freedom to choose one's attitude.
The capacity for love is the capacity for courage.
Contemporaries of Rollo May
Other Psychologys born within 50 years of Rollo May (1909–1994).