This quote by Rollo May reflects on how challenges during a specific time period often stem from unmet potential or unresolved issues that define an era’s sense of crisis. According to May, these crises exist because there is still hope for new solutions and possibilities; without this hope, the situation would descend into despair.
May suggests that existential crises are not just about problems but also about the promise of what could be if those problems were addressed or overcome. This means that within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and transformation. When people face a crisis and perceive it as insurmountable, they may feel overwhelmed by despair. However, when they see the potential for new possibilities, even in difficult circumstances, hope emerges. Thus, crises become catalysts for change rather than dead ends.
Rollo May was an influential American existential psychologist known for his contributions to understanding human existence and freedom from a psychological perspective. Born in 1909, he became one of the leading voices in existential therapy during the mid-20th century. His work emphasized personal responsibility and the importance of individuals finding their own path through life’s challenges. May's insights continue to resonate with those seeking to understand the complexities of human emotions and decision-making processes.
