This author explores the nature of happiness and creativity, with his work deeply rooted in psychology. He is recognized as the primary architect of the concept of 'flow,' describing a state of complete absorption in an activity. Through research and writing, he reveals how to achieve a fulfilling life through freely chosen discipline, rather than repression. His influential work is widely cited, inspiring readers to contemplate the meaning and quality of their own lives.
The author of Flow shows us how to overcome our evolutionary heritage in order to re-create ourselves for the next milennium. He explains that we must recognize that there is a common good--and only by transcending our biological and social programming can we achieve it--becoming in the process, complex and integrated individuals. "A book of singular importance and timeliness, one with momentous implications for the future." --Howard Gardner --San Francisco Chronicle
The ability to enter into a flow state of mind will help any runner overcome
the psychological barriers associated with a race. With Running Flow,
pioneering flow researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi gives you tools and
strategies for experiencing the power of flow.
The collection showcases four decades of work by a prominent scholar with a background in psychology, highlighting significant themes such as creativity, cultural evolution, play, and adolescent development. It traces the origins and evolution of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's influential ideas, revealing the inspirations behind his unique perspectives and insights into the complexities of human existence. Readers will engage with his discoveries that address pressing contemporary issues, offering a deep understanding of his contributions to multiple disciplines.
Exploring the evolution of creativity, this volume compiles Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's influential research from his groundbreaking 1964 study to insights published in 2010. It delves into the psychology of creativity, examining how it manifests in art and the conditions that foster creative expression. The collection highlights key theories and concepts that have shaped the understanding of creativity, making it a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Exploring the application of flow beyond leisure, this volume highlights Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's insights into education and learning. Drawing from personal experiences and broader perspectives, he challenges the notion that knowledge should be difficult to acquire. Instead, he advocates for creating a more enjoyable learning environment that fosters intrinsic motivation in students. By integrating flow into educational practices, Csikszentmihalyi envisions a future where young people engage in learning out of desire rather than obligation.
The second volume in the collected works of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi covers about thirty years of Csikszentmihalyi‘s work on three main and interconnected areas of attention, flow and positive psychology. Describing attention as psychic energy and in the footsteps of William James, Csikszentmihalyi explores the allocation of attention, the when and where and the amount of attention humans pay to tasks and the role of attention in creating ‘experiences’, or ordered patterns of information. Taking into account information processing theories and attempts at quantifying people’s investment, the chapters deal with such topics as time budgets and the development and use of the Experience Sampling Method of collecting data on attention in everyday life. Following the chapters on attention and reflecting Csikszentmihalyi’s branching out into sociology and anthropology, there are chapters on the topic of adult play and leisure and connected to that, on flow, a concept formulated and developed by Csikszentmihalyi. Flow has become a popular concept in business and management around the world and research on the concept continues to flourish. Finally, this volume contains articles that stem from Csikszentmihalyi’s connection with Martin Seligman; they deal with concepts and theories, as well as with the development and short history, of the field and the “movement” of positive psychology.
The classic study of the creative process from the bestselling author of Flow Creativity is about capturing those moments that make life worth living. Legendary psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (“The leading researcher into ‘flow states.’” — Newsweek) reveals what leads to these moments—be it the excitement of the artist at the easel or the scientist in the lab—so that this knowledge can be used to enrich people's lives. Drawing on nearly one hundred interviews with exceptional people, from biologists and physicists, to politicians and business leaders, to poets and artists, as well as his thirty years of research on the subject, Csikszentmihalyi uses his famous flow theory to explore the creative process. He discusses such ideas as why creative individuals are often seen as selfish and arrogant, and why the "tortured genius" is largely a myth. Most important, he explains why creativity needs to be cultivated and is necessary for the future of our country, if not the world.
What really makes people glad to be alive? What are the inner experiences that make life worthwhile? For more than two decades Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi studied those states in which people report feelings of concentration and deep enjoyment. His studies re
