The Value Of Human Potential In Extreme Situations
Is there anything more moving than seeing the potential of the human being in action in extreme situations? There certainly are. We encounter so many moving things in our lives… But there is something deeply moving and touching about the selfless act of human beings in extreme situations. Situations marked by fear, danger and dreaded uncertainty.
Karl Jaspers (1883-1969), German philosopher and psychiatrist, in his time, deepened and wrote about extreme situations (Grenzsituationen). He defined them as the situations which present themselves to the human being during which a curious paradox occurs. These are situations which look like dead end mazes, but which, at the same time, contain within themselves the possibility of being overcome. These are contradictory situations in which life surprises us. Crucial moments through which we can, despite the horror of uncertainty, see more clearly the meaning of our life. Anything that gives meaning and meaning to our existence.
In extreme situations lodge the potentialities of the human being
It is normally in extreme situations that the human being has to face himself, without mask and without defense. Survival comes first here. Find a way out of this labyrinth that we have in front of us.
It seems that humans are also able to get the most out of themselves in these types of situations. He is able to cooperate and collaborate with others, with the people who live this extreme experience by his side. The potentialities of the human being generally flourish thanks to an enormous energy in this type of situation.
People who save others even when their integrity is really in danger. Who, in the face of a natural disaster, unite to safeguard their well-being and that of others. People who go to conflict zones to help with whatever is needed. Human beings who mobilize to protect the most defenseless: without any other interest or other will.
We find meaning in life when we are in contact with the best of ourselves
There are many examples that show that it is possible to get the most out of yourself in extreme situations. That it is possible to build on darkness and rubble. Being useful to others is a very precious necessity that dwells in us. Being able to help the other in what we do best is a comforting caress for the soul.
Everything appears more clearly in this type of situation where there is uncertainty . The possible solutions and alternatives to the conflict (internal or external) are seen with more precision than if there was no urgent need to act.
Viktor Frankl also spoke of the need to find meaning in one’s existence through adverse situations. Carl Rogers also spoke of the potentialities of the human being. Both have full confidence in our potential. In our precious power to make our existence more complete, authentic and in harmony with our environment.
After the shocks and the uncertainty, the flourishing of the human being
It is amazing and encouraging to see how even damaged people manage to thrive after going through extreme situations. How they learn what they want in their life and what they want to give up. How, finally, they discover their most authentic capacities, hitherto unknown.
It is as if, after the great shock of existence, they discover the purest and idiosyncratic potential that they hold within them. And after finding out about it, they decide to live in pursuit of it. Without losing it along the way. Showing and sharing with the rest of humans what is most authentic and beautiful about them.
We can easily think of a reborn person. To someone who has built himself following an experience similar to those mentioned above. This person who, following this experience, painted his life in other colors. And a kind of indescribable serenity arises in her. A serenity that nourishes and gives meaning to its present. The positive thing is that this person is or will be in us as well.
Our thoughts Carl Rogers’ humanistic psychology aroused so much admiration that it was defined in its day as the silent revolution.
