Human Goodness

Human Goodness: Origins, Manifestations, and Clinical Implications focuses on the positive attributes that exist in each human heart. In this volume eight distinguished clinicians elucidate the notion of human goodness and devote their attention to subjects including altruism, kindness, concern, gratitude, and forgiveness. The origins of these valuable traits in the crucible of childhood experience are fleshed out and the therapeutic relevance of these ideas is illustrated with numerous clinical vignettes. As a result, this exceptional, tightly edited book is replete with material leading mental health professionals to see their clients in fresh and increasingly helpful ways.

“Salman Akhtar has once again brought us to a new frontier--a scholarly and engaging exploration of the complexity of human goodness. His opening chapter is a gem. In these troubled times, when evil abounds, this book is an important guidepost not only for psychoanalysts, but for all who wish to find the goodness that exists even in the hearts of our enemies.”

Salman Akhtar has once again brought us to a new frontier—a scholarly and engaging exploration of the complexity of human goodness. His opening chapter is a gem. In these troubled times, when evil abounds, this book is an important guidepost not only for psychoanalysts, but for all who wish to find the goodness that exists even in the hearts of our enemies. -- Jennifer Bonovitz, PhD, Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia
Salman Akhtar has done it again: a brilliantly creative volume on human goodness with three central papers, each with a discussant. Striking are the fresh ideas presented and discussed in a lucid writing style beautifully articulated English. This volume is an inspiring document and a great read providing mental health professionals with clinically useful ideas. -- Stuart Twemlow, MD, University College, London; International Journal of Applied Psychoanalytic Studies

Salman Akhtar, MD, is professor of psychiatry at Jefferson Medical College and training and supervising analyst at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia.

Human Goodness: Origins, Manifestations, and Clinical Implications focuses on the positive attributes that exist in each human heart. In this volume eight distinguished clinicians elucidate the notion of human goodness and devote their attention to subjects including altruism, kindness, concern, gratitude, and forgiveness. The origins of these valuable traits in the crucible of childhood experience are fleshed out and the therapeutic relevance of these ideas is illustrated with numerous clinical vignettes. As a result, this exceptional, tightly edited book is replete with material leading mental health professionals to see their clients in fresh and increasingly helpful ways.

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