The Person in the Mirror: Education and the Search for Self and Meaning

by George A. Goens

Overview

Each individual is a unique person. In reality, education today should help students answer two fundamental life questions: Who am I? and Why am I here?



Understanding who they are as individuals and what motivates them leads to a life of purpose and happiness. Without coming to grips with these questions, life can be vacant and void of meaning. A ‘good life’ is predicated, in part, on understanding these questions.



These questions are fundamental and affect all aspects of life. Everyone must come to terms with them throughout each phase of life. They provide the foundation for introspection and understanding necessary to pursue a life of meaning.



What kind of education do students need to begin to think about who they are and how they can find significance in their lives? Both are essential to enable a life of happiness, freedom, and success. To deal with inevitable change, each individual must have a sense of self and purpose.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781475847161
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	10/31/2019
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.33(w) x 8.87(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

George A. Goens Ph.D. served at all levels of education as a teacher, administrator, superintendent, as well as an associate professor in a graduate program. He has authored six books and co-authored four others.

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: The Mirror

Chapter 2: Longing, Belonging, and Growth

Chapter 3: Looking Beyond the Cover

Chapter 4: Barnacles, High Wires, and Mindsets

Chapter 5: Me, Myself, and I

Chapter 6: Meaning or Decadence?

Chapter 7: Hockey, Butterflies, and Life

Chapter 8: Education and Self

Chapter 9: Defining Moments

Chapter 9: Self and Ideas

Chapter 10: Big Questions and Great Ideas

Chapter 11: Courage, Creativity, and Joy

Chapter 12: Heartfelt Wisdom

Epilogue

Bibliography

About the Author

Editorial Reviews

The Person in the Mirror: Education and the Search for Self and Meaning by George A. Goens, a former superintendent, would be a valuable selection for an educator’s book club.

School Administrator

To craft a more promising future we must be ready to confront the lack of ethical and principled leadership increasingly apparent in many sectors today. This essential preparation begins at home as we each grow into who we are and what we will stand for. This book is a must read for educators, leaders, and all who hope to contribute to a better world.

John Tindall-Gibson

In The Person In The Mirror, Mr. Goens takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. He inspires reflection upon one's own sense of "self" and provides insight into its formation. His thought provoking themes become a subtle internalized prod to strive to live life to the fullest. With examples of "self"-forming events from childhood through adulthood, he prompts the reader into examining his own life relative to the wisdom within these pages and to ponder how these offered insights might be applied to becoming a fulfilled self.

Joanne Zanzal

In his latest book, The Person in the Mirror, Dr. George Goens reflects on how we make meaning of our life, the person we are and the purpose we serve. He expertly weaves the interplay between life experiences, key ideas of renowned authors and the impact of education on the shaping of our identity and sense of self. George argues for the values of integrity, honor, courage and principled living over a life that focuses on social media "likes", public acknowledgment, and crossing items off our bucket list. Throughout the book we get glimpses of the author's life and hard won wisdom about being true to self, punctuated by poetry and quotes that lift us up and carry us on our own journey of introspection. This is a timely and worthwhile read at a point in history when it seems we are all trying to make sense of what it means to live the "good life".

Rachel Boechler