In this book, John Firman explores the theoretical foundations of psychosynthesis, with an in-depth focus on two central concepts: “I,” our most essential identity, and Self, the deeper ontological reality of which “I” is a reflection. He examines principles outlined by Roberto Assagioli, the founder of psychosynthesis, carefully critiques them, and suggests a re-visioning of psychosynthesis as a whole. Firman writes, “While this re-visioning touches the very core of psychosynthesis, with implications for both theory and practice, I believe it nevertheless maintains continuity with the original thrust of Assagioli’s work.”
The intention in this book is to provide an understanding of human being that can help facilitate authentic relationships, both in and out of therapy. Firman maintains that empathic “I-Thou” relationships are not served by treating human beings as selves inhabiting bodies, nor on the other hand, as entities whose selves are simply derivative of psychosomatic processes. Rather, optimum human relationships are imbued with the perception that while there is indeed a transcendent aspect of human identity, this transcendence does not imply a separation or difference from the world, but exactly the reverse—a radical immanence, a fundamental union with the world.
