| Abstract: | Self-optimization is a widespread trend. Psychotherapists often attempt to psychologically explain self-optimization as a manifestation of narcissism. In reality the fact that self-optimization has become a contemporary imperative is only comprehensible against the background of the individualization of living conditions (Beck). In psychotherapy the boundaries between medical treatment of mental illnesses and enhancement of the psyche are increasingly becoming more flexible. By promising to be able to help on the road to a happier and more productive life, to mental well-being or more life satisfaction, psychotherapy joins the self-optimization chorus. Not all attempts at optimization are limited to wanting to improve those features which are inherent to a person: others, such as the transhumanists want to overcome the imperfections of man via technologically upgrading the human nature. |
