In Over Our Heads

The Mental Demands of Modern Life

Robert Kegan

Recommended By

Book Reviews

Book Synopsis

"In Over Our Heads" by Robert Kegan delves deep into the complexities of adult development, examining the psychological challenges faced by individuals in today's rapidly changing world.

Through insightful analysis and compelling case studies, Kegan explores how our personal and professional lives are influenced by the various roles we adopt, such as partner, parent, and employee. He uncovers the hidden conflicts and contradictions that often arise as we navigate these roles, leading to moments where we feel overwhelmed and uncertain.

With meticulous detail, Kegan outlines five stages of adult development, from the socialized mind to the self-authoring mind and beyond. He explores how individuals progress (or sometimes stagnate) through these stages, shedding light on the factors that hinder or promote growth.

Using clear and accessible language, Kegan offers practical strategies for developing a more integrated adult self. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a reflective mindset, allowing us to better understand our own perspectives and those of others. He urges readers to embrace the discomfort of learning and to constantly challenge their assumptions.

"In Over Our Heads" is a thought-provoking book that offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking personal growth and understanding in an increasingly complex world. It serves as a guide for navigating the challenges of adulthood and encourages readers to embrace the journey of self-discovery and development.

Explore More Books

See All
The Heart of Yoga
Broken Money
Remote: Office Not Required
A Fighting Chance
A Brief History of Time
Why Wages Rise
The Boys in the Boat
Bloodlands
Trading Bases
Relentless
The Making of an American Thinking Class
Memos From The Chairman
The Hunger Games
Hidden Potential
The Measure of Reality
The Most Important Thing
Permaculture: A Designer's Manual
The Republic
Deep Medicine
Dead Wake
Margaret Thatcher: Herself Alone
The Ambiguities of Experience
The Wager
Drawing Life
Blink
A Short History of Financial Euphoria
How To Win at the Sport of Business
Look to Windward
Wonderworks
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
The Belly Art Project
The Venture Mindset
Malabar Farm
The Role of the Individual in History
My American Journey
Emergency
Automate This
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart
Bureaucracy
High Growth Handbook
Frenemies
Start-up Nation
The Sleep Revolution
The Righteous Mind
Indigenous Continent
Genome
The Therapeutic Turn
The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí
The Martians of Science
The Immortality Key
Physics of the Impossible
The Elements of Statistical Learning
Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention
Trillion Dollar Coach
Way of the Warrior Kid
Jesse Livermore - Boy Plunger
Caste
Knowledge and The Wealth of Nations
Leonardo Da Vinci
Crime and Punishment
Andrew Carnegie
Batman
Altars of Unhewn Stone
Deep Learning
Resistance (At All Costs)
Walking
The Act of Creation
The Art of Asking
The Science of Conjecture
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Inside the Investor's Brain
Seveneves
Great Expectations
The Success Equation
A Mind at Home with Itself
The Kite Runner
Conspiracy
The Experience Machine
The Chile Project
Thinking with Type
The Amber Spyglass
Home Economics
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Cloud Atlas
The Confessions
Hyperion
The Start-up of You
Tent Life in Siberia
The Gray Lady Winked
Down to Earth
Devil Take the Hindmost
The Piano Tuner
Scientific Advertising
Wealth of Wisdom
What Has Government Done To Our Money?
The Beginning Of Infinity
Old Man and the Sea
Trump: America First
Demons
Twilight of the Bombs