Description:
What motivates you? Status, money, love, a thirst for knowledge, the need for order, or a fabulous meal? Experts have theorized that our behavior is driven by everything from the search for meaning to the desire to increase pleasure and avoid pain. But according to Steven Reiss, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and psychiatry at Ohio State University and author of Who Am I?, there are 16 desires that determine our actions and define our personalities. After conducting years of research and thousands of interviews, Dr. Reiss broke new ground discovering that nearly everything we do can be traced to these 16 fundamental desires, from power (the desire to influence others) to tranquility (the desire for emotional calm). In Who Am I? Dr. Reiss gives a detailed description of the desires that drive and define us. He explains how to create your own personal desire profile and tailor your home life, work situation, leisure activities, and relationships to better suit your desires. For instance, your family can satisfy curiosity (one of the 16 desires) by traveling together and learning about new places. Or, if you have a strong need for social contact (another of the desires), you should look for jobs that provide opportunities for interactions with others, such as sales, receptionist positions, or teaching. Reading Who Am I? will show you how to increase happiness, transform work into play, and enhance communication skills. You may not agree that Reiss's theory is the definitive word on human behavior, but it will help you gain valuable insight about yourself and your friends, family members, and coworkers. --Ellen Albertson
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