Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#1

Post by nopassrecover » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 5:54 AM UTC

Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)
davidsongifted.org

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#2

Post by nathias » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 8:42 AM UTC

This type of depressive nihilism is just a reaction to the destruction of values, after that you can progress towards an optimistic nihilism, building your values on truth instead of lies.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#3

Post by krishvs » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 9:07 AM UTC

Great article. The table composed by psychologist May Seagoe fits the description of some of my friends and colleagues who I perceive as gifted perfectly.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#4

Post by acituan » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 9:07 AM UTC

So many words for mere conjecture that is ultimately going to be used as a pat on one's own back for feeling bummed.

I especially love the author's self-designation as gifted and not once expanding on this very narrow dimensionality reduction. What happened to the personality traits? What happened to character, adverse childhood experiences, education etc independent of so-called giftedness?

Anyone could have come up with this; a human mind is a terrible thing to waste. Greater the mind, greater the waste. Just like an undertrained, under-exercised german shepherd is going to be much more destructive than a shitzu.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#5

Post by triggercut » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 9:12 AM UTC

Well that sure as hell cheered me up.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#6

Post by _y5hn » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 9:30 AM UTC

nathias wrote: post #2

This type of depressive nihilism is just a reaction to the destruction of values, after that you can progress towards an optimistic nihilism, building your values on truth instead of lies.

Makes me ponder what corporate values are.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#7

Post by Tcane » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 9:42 AM UTC

Some interesting points although I disagree with the undercurrent that by "reintegrating" or whatever word for growth you choose you will become more humanistic and altruistic. There is every reason to believe that after your growth experience you will realise it really is all a waste and decide to become a gold-plated self-serving asshole.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#8

Post by coldtea » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 10:02 AM UTC

_y5hn wrote: post #6

nathias wrote: post #2

This type of depressive nihilism is just a reaction to the destruction of values, after that you can progress towards an optimistic nihilism, building your values on truth instead of lies.

Makes me ponder what corporate values are.

Money and hypocrisy.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#9

Post by ZephyrBlu » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 10:07 AM UTC

I don't know what their definition of gifted is, but I know I have above average intelligence and I was surprised how closely the article matches my feelings and experiences. Difficult read.

Re: Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression (2020)

#10

Post by zhdc1 » Mon, Jul 05, 2021, 10:09 AM UTC

acituan wrote: post #4

So many words for mere conjecture that is ultimately going to be used as a pat on one's own back for feeling bummed. I especially love the author's self-designation as gifted and not once expanding on this very narrow dimensionality reduction. What happened to the personality traits? What happened to character, adverse childhood experiences, education etc independent of so-called giftedness? Anyone could have come up…

> I especially love the author's self-designation as gifted... Anyone could have come up with this

The author was a chaired professor who wrote several dozen peer reviewed articles and five books on the subject. He was also the chair for his state's psychology association board for several years, an associate dean, and cofounded his university's school of psychology.

I'm not going to comment on the quality of the article or whether 'giftedness' is a meaningful construct, but this isn't a fluff piece written by some feel-good popular science author.