Personal self-development practices in the changing world

Abstract

The notion of personal self-development is introduced, practice and tasks of personal self-development that arose in the context of philosophy, psychotherapy, psychology and art are considered. In particular, Socrates' task of «taking care of one's own self», Descartes' task «to become one's own chief», Z.Freud's task of becoming aware of one's own feelings and wishes, J.Bugental's task of «tuning to one's own inner voice» and L.S.Vygotsky's task of fostering within oneself one's own philosophy are discussed. In this context the distinction between psychotherapy as such aiming at healing of a person and psychological practices of supporting personal self-development is specified. In the latter case the aim is not to cure but to help a person in his or her self-creating and discovering new opportunities. Also, the role of art pieces as special means of personal self-development changing both their creators and customers (readers, viewers, listeners) is considered. It is concluded that personal self-development practices should become a part of personality psychology subject matter.