What drives us to create? Reflecting on her carefree creative expression as a child, struggles with self-consciousness, and industry pressures, Laura Stavinoha confronts the role her desire for validation had on her music and comes to understand why, ultimately, she creates.
What stops a bright, intense, gifted person from blossoming? The Daimon Institute’s Sue Jackson sits down with us to talk about the hurdles her clients often face—and how they can begin to put out the roots they need to bloom.
Why is Thoreau’s “little world” the image of restorative solitude, and Van Gogh’s “blazing hearth” that of genius misunderstood? In diving into these two men’s stories, David Wakeham demonstrates the pressing need for mentorship and community in those with great potential—and the consequences if this is nowhere to be found.
You asked. We answered. What is this thing we named our magazine after, and what are the first and second factors? And why is this concept from Kazimierz Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration so much more important than his more well-known construct of overexcitability?
We’re trying to cultivate a high-quality space for Third Factor’s intellectually engaged readers to develop meaningful connections and have robust discussions. So why is this so hard on Facebook? Our editor in chief ponders why our new forum, at least so far, seems to suit us better than Facebook.
Want to connect with other Third Factor readers over some in-depth content? Join our book discussion group!
Welcome to the newly rebooted Third Factor Magazine! In this issue, we're switching from our old written letter from the editor to a video format. In this video, our editor in chief Jessie Mannisto talks about what you can find on our new site, what's coming up soon, and the articles in our March 2021 issue.
Michael Piechowski shares why he’s updated the way he thinks about Dabrowski’s levels of development.
Sherlock Holmes is known for his remarkable mind. But as Boris Glebov sees it, one of Holmes’ most powerful mind tricks is accessible to anyone—and can be especially helpful to creative writers.
Jessie just can’t help trying to understand why people think about politics the way they do. She’s betting plenty of others with high intellectual and emotional excitability might feel the same.
Both Democrats and Republicans are spiraling into echo chambers and out of control. Now Dan Greco’s primary allegiance is to a plurality of voices.
Frank ran for office as a Republican. But instead of left vs. right, he looks at politics as open vs. closed—and that’s guiding his search for a new political home.
If you think of yourself as “overexcitable,” you’ll surely see yourself in W. Thomas Boyce’s book, THE ORCHID AND THE DANDELION.
We chat with Michael Piechowski about his work on the theory of positive disintegration and finding people whose lives show the theory in action.
We’re used to talking about theory of positive disintegration at an individual level, but what about at the level of a country? Laura Stavinoha looks at the pandemic as an instance of disintegration and explores what it will take to reintegrate an entire society at a higher level.
Sensitive people are like the canaries back in the days of coal mining. We’re the first ones to notice when things are off, whether within ourselves, our family, or our world.
In this deep dive into the dynamisms of Dabrowski’s level IV in Marie Curie’s life, Krystyna Laycraft shows us just what the third factor is all about.
It’s hard for men to forge emotionally fulfilling friendships in our culture, argues Ian Simm, but a look back in time shows it doesn’t have to be this way.
Creativity has always had a solitary component, but the pandemic drove home to author Jessie Mannisto how much creation is fueled by human connection.
After China sent Max into a spiral of positive disintegration, his return to the United States—and to crisis—ensured his moral transformation.
Do you ever find yourself frustrated with other people’s lack of striving? Of caring? Selena Ng reflects on that feeling—and how she’s tried to transcend it through a delicate balance of acceptance and change.
You surely know all about the scientific accomplishments of Madame Curie. But did you know that her childhood was teeming with the intensity a fellow Polish scientist would dub “overexcitability?”
We’ve been led to believe competition helps us excel. But if we look at its evolutionary function, says Dr. Roland Persson, we see a much more complex picture.
Benita thought she had found the secret to belonging. But was “giftedness” really the answer to the questions she sought to ask at the Gifted Adults Meetup?
For some, the word “gifted” can be a life preserver. Once they’re back on dry land, however, it will surely serve them best to hang it up.
Laura Stavinoha
Jessie Mannisto
David Wakeham
Boris Glebov
Dan Greco
Frank Robinson
Foske de Kruijf
Krystyna C. Laycraft
Ian Simm
Maxwell Olin Massa
Selena Ng
Roland S. Persson
Benita Jeanelle