The Human Potential In Extreme Situations
Is there anything more touching than seeing the human potential realized in extreme situations? Possibly, but it is something that touches us especially deeply when people act selflessly in extreme conditions. In events that are permeated by fear, danger and uncertainty.
Karl Jaspers (1883-1969), who was a German psychiatrist and philosopher, paid close attention to extreme situations (Grenzsituationen). He defined them as situations in which strange paradoxes occur. They look like labyrinths without exits, but at the same time – and by their nature – it is possible to master them.
They are contradictory situations that life surprises us with. Crucial moments when we can see the meaning of our lives more clearly, despite the horror of uncertainty. They make sense of our existence.
Human potential emerges in extreme situations
It is in extreme situations that people reveal who they are without masks. This is a matter of survival – finding an exit to the maze you are in. In these situations, people have the ability to muster the best of what they have. We succeed in collaborating and collaborating with others, with people in the same seat. Many times these are occasions when human potential really emerges.
People who risk their lives to save others. People who come together when a natural disaster occurs to protect themselves and others. People who go to areas affected by conflict and war to help as much as they can. Individuals who, without hidden motives, mobilize support for the most defenseless.
We find meaning in life when we give our best selves
There are many examples that show that it is possible to give the best we have to offer in extreme situations. They prove that it is possible to build something positive out of darkness and rubble. We want to be useful to other people.
Viktor Frankl testified that it is possible to find meaning in life in difficult conditions. Carl Rogers also talked about human potential. Both had full confidence in our resources as human beings. They described our capacity to make our lives more meaningful, authentic and engaging.
After upheaval and uncertainty follows human flowering
It is amazing and encouraging to see how people can thrive in extreme conditions, even if they have suffered harm. How they can learn what they want in their lives and what they want to get rid of. And finally, how they discover their strengths and their true selves.
It is as if they found a pure, unique potential within themselves that emerges only when a challenge in life puts them to the test. Once they have found this potential, they choose to live their lives in order to fulfill it. They let the world see and partake of their genuine and beautiful beings.
Do you know anyone who has undergone such a rebirth? Anyone got up after going through what we describe here? These people achieve a form of indescribable peace of mind. It is a peace of mind that feeds them in their new life and makes this meaningful. The positive thing is that these people are – or will be – such as ourselves.
