Subject-Object in Oneself

Transcending Labels An Interview with Scott Barry Kaufman

Scott Barry Kaufman knows a lot about the labels bright, quirky people often stick upon themselves. In this interview with Third Factor’s editor in chief, he suggests we might be missing something much more important.

To the Far Side of the Earth and Back Disintegration and Reintegration as an Expat, Part II

After China sent Max into a spiral of positive disintegration, his return to the United States—and to crisis—ensured his moral transformation.

A Look in the Mirror A Letter from the Editor for Issue 11

Our editor in chief introduces the March/April 2020 issue, featuring Dabrowski’s dynamism of subject-object in oneself and several articles that show it in action.

Dabrowski’s Dynamisms: Subject-Object in Oneself

Dynamisms are the heart of the theory of positive disintegration. But what exactly did Dabrowski mean by that abstruse term, “subject-object in oneself?” Our editor explains this powerful process.

Are We Voters or Are We Fans? Away from Factionalism, Toward a Politics of Empathy

When politics becomes a fandom, argues Merrill Miller, everyone ultimately loses. But there are ways to bring people around to your perspective—if only you can spare a little empathy.

What Goes Into Free Thought? An Interview with Dr. Marta Lenartowicz of the School of Thinking

Think you know how to think? The brand new School of Thinking at Vrije Universiteit Brussel is designed to teach students precisely this. Dr. Marta Lenartowicz sat down with Third Factor Magazine to tell us just what the School does—and offers you a few ideas to of areas to focus your own thinking, even if you can’t make it to Belgium for class.

Which One of These Things IS Like the Other?

Benita was convinced she was weird, so when she met people who thought they had things in common with her, she set them straight. But then she started to feel lonely….

Transformative Life Experiences Through the Decision-Making Process

Emotion fuels our decisions; our decisions, in turn, mark the points in our lives that put us on the higher path. So argues Krystyna Laycraft as she reflects on her own inner psychic transformation while deciding to return to Poland after the fall of Communism.

Third Factor Reads: The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa

The Mind Illuminated is a great meditation manual that will guide you, step by step, from establishing your practice to achieving tranquility and equanimity. If all you’re looking to do is learn to sustain your focus, it’ll help you with that, too.

An Introduction to Dabrowski’s Levels and Dynamisms

Dabrowski’s hierarchy of levels is one of the most well-known aspects of his theory of positive disintegration. But what’s really going on in those levels? And what are those “dynamism” things, anyway? The editors of Third Factor Magazine explain the basics here.