Developing Human Potential

Copyright © 2002

Dr. Rodney H. ClarkenSchool of Education

Northern Michigan University

Definitions de•vel•op (di vel"*p), v.t. 1. to expand or

realize the potentialities of; bring gradually to a fuller, greater, or better state.

hu•man (hy»"m*n), adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of man or mankind.

po•ten•tial (p* ten"sh*l), n. 1. The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.

Conceptual Framework, 1 Development is a science, an art and a

moral act. Humans have both material and spiritual

natures that interact in developing potential.

Purpose of existence is primarily spiritual: to know, love and create; acquire virtues; and carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.

Foundation of all development is spiritual and moral training.

Conceptual Framework, 2 Truth and human potential are relative

and progressive. Development is a process of expansion,

integration and generalization. Human capacities must be disciplined

and trained, and require development. All natural capacities are good when

developed positively, but can be harmful when not.

Conceptual Framework, 3 Individuals have differing innate and

inherited potentialities that are actualized through interaction with the environment.

We can learn to facilitate this process and advance our development.

The principles and ideals of developing human potential have been given in the major religions and are beginning to be studied by science.

Using Science and Religion Science and religion are both vital for

development, but, if perverted, can be destructive.

Science provides a way to better determine the validity and reliability of our perceptions of reality and of cause and effect.

Religion provides the guidance and motive force to develop potential.

Religion and Human Potential

Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.

Bahá’u’lláh

Human Potential?

Question: What potentialities did the Creator engrave on us?

Hint: “I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee,

have engraved on thee Mine image ”

Knowing, Loving and Creating

These basic human potentialities can be found in the all the sacred scriptures and science.

Developing these potentials is a lifelong endeavor. The more we develop, the more we want to and are able to develop, as it brings increased happiness and fulfillment.

Human potentialities have been conceptualized variously by philosophy, psychology, religion, education and other areas.

Human Potentialities

Knowing Loving CreatingSee Feel ActHead Heart HandMind Heart/Soul BodyTruth Unity JusticeLogic/Epistemology Ethics/Aesthetics MetaphysicsTruth Beauty GoodCognitive Domain Affective PsychomotorCognitive Psychology Humanistic Behavioral Reason Compassion Courage

Truthfulness

Unity

Trustworthiness

Forbearance

Kindliness

Service

Wisdom

Purity

RighteousnessJustice

Courtesy

Detachment

Selflessness

Generosity

Humility

CompassionCREATING

LOVINGKNOWING

Propeller of Potential

As our potentialities grow and develop, they are better able to interact with the environment to develop the power needed for change, first for yourselves, then for others.

Loving

Twirly Whirly Model (TW)

Soul/Spiritual

(+/- charge)

Body/Physical

(-/+ charge)

TW Development Model

K

LC

Twirly-Whirly Dynamics It is only in moving out on the TW that we can

gain a truer perspective of ourselves and reality.

If we focus on material and selfish aspects of life, the hub of our TW becomes over developed and hampers development.

The more the KLC blades grow the more they can turn the TW and develop our potential.

As we move away from the center self-attraction outward to higher powers, we obtain a truer knowledge of self and become a better person.

Development Model All three potentialities must turn

together for the individual and society grow, develop and advance.

If blades try to turn in opposite ways, problems result. love (>) falsehoods (<) hate (<) truth (>) know (>) hate (<)

Development Formulas K x L x C = V: Knowing (K) times Loving (L)

times Creating (C) equals Value (V) +K x +L x +C = +V -K x +L x +C = -V -K x –L x +C =+V

A zero in any capacity = zero value 0(K)=ignorance, 0(L)=apathy, 0(C)=inactivity 3K x 2L x 0(C) = 0

Mathematical properties of potential Increased quantity in any variable=increased

value

Some Baha’i Formulas Love + conscious knowledge + practice

of good deeds = faith Love Knowledge Creation=Will Knowledge + faithperfection and unity Knowledge + volition + action =

accomplishment of any objective Knowledge of God + Love of God +

Goodwill = Perfect Action

Knowing A disposition towards understanding

reality as it really is, rather than as how we imagine it to be.

Those who better understand reality are able to live more fully, happily, effectively, honestly and successfully.

Each individual must independently investigate truth.

Knowledge and Faith "There are certain pillars which have

been established as the unshakeable supports of the Faith of God. The mightiest of these is learning and the use of the mind, the expansion of consciousness, and insight into the realities of the universe and the hidden mysteries of Almighty God."

Loving Love can be defined as an active force of

attraction, and, as such, can be considered the most elemental force in the universe.

Considered the most fundamental element in all of the world’s religions.

Love gives us energy and directs our actions.

On the highest level, love is the attraction to good, beauty and truth.

The Hidden Words on Love I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have

engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.

Wherefore, do thou love Me, that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life.

If thou lovest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. If thou lovest Me, turn away from thyself; and if thou seekest

My pleasure, regard not thine own; that thou mayest die in Me and I may eternally live in thee.

I desire to be loved alone and above all that is. My love is My stronghold;he that entereth therein is safe and

secure, and he that turneth away shall surely stray and perish.

My love is in thee, know it, that thou mayest find Me near unto thee.  AHW, #3-10

Four Kinds of Love1. God to Human: the origin of all love, cause of

all life and creation, and of humans having eternal life and being in the image of God.

2. Human to God: origin of all philanthropy, faith, attraction to the Divine, enkindlement, progress, and illumination.

3. God to Identity of God: the reality of love, through it all other love exists.

4. Human for Human: prompted by the ideal of the unity of spirits, attained through the knowledge of God, attracted to Divine Love in others, and the foundation of real unity.  Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p.180-1

Creating Our actions are a form of creating/creation

and an expression of will. We create goodness from interactions

based on love and truth, which create virtues such as justice, righteousness and service.

Creation can be categorized hierarchically from lower to higher: mineral, plant, animal and human.

Creating and the Golden Rule

Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.

Do not to others what ye do not wish done to yourself; and wish for others too what ye desire and long for yourself.

Love thy neighbor as thyself.

What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary.

No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.

Choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.

From: Baha’i Faith, Buddhism Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism

(Behavior + Character) + (Knowledge) = +Value

"Good behavior and high moral character must come first, for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious.  Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and virtuous character; otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger."  Abdu’l-Baha

Science and Human Potential

“The last 20 years have witnessed tremendous advances in theory and research in developmental and cognitive psychology, and on the emotional, motivational, personality, and social processes of individual learners that contribute to the dynamics of the learning process.” (Spielberger, C., 1998, p. ix, In N. Lambert & B. McCombs, Editors, How Students Learn. American Psychological Association)

The Learner-Centered Psychological Principles

consistent with more than a century of research on teaching and learning,

integrate research and practice in various areas of psychology,

reflect conventional and scientific wisdom, provide a framework for and lead to

effective schooling, positive mental health and a realization of greater potential.

Principles for Developing Human Potential

The 14 learner-centered psychological principles developed by the American Psychological Association have been used as the organizing structure for the 14 developing human potential principles given below that are a synthesis of my thoughts derived from religion and science.

1. Never Stop Developing Learning and developing are the keys to

promoting human happiness and well-being.

Learning, loving and creating are as natural and needed for human life as growing is for a plant.

Use knowledge, love, power, truth, justice and creativity to develop you potential.

2. Set Goals Goals give meaning to life. They direct

energy towards the things valued. The more we are attracted to,

understand and are able and willing to work for our goals, the more likely we are to achieve them.

Develop goals, high resolve, purpose, resilience, self-reliance and an internal locus of control.

3. Build from your Experience

Link to and build upon existing knowing, loving and creating capacities.

Build upon effective and healthy ways of knowing, loving and creating in relation to the world, each other and yourself.

Use science and religion, like the wings of one bird, to fly to higher levels of potential.

4. Think Strategically Develop strategic thinking in more

complex, expanded and unique situations. Use consultation, reasoning, independent

investigation of truth, meditation, parables, stories, metaphors, prayer and reflection to develop potential.

Encourage hand, head and heart to work together.

5. Improve Your Thinking Evaluate your thought processes and

improve them. Use all four ways of knowing truth.

senses or experiences reasoning or logic tradition or established knowledge intuition or inspiration

Each is limited and open to error. Used in conjunction, they allow for greater

likelihood of finding truth or reality.

6. Improve Your Environment

Create the best conditions and environment to develop your potential knowing, loving and creating capacities.

The first and primary interaction and environment is the self with the self.

Changing yourself is the best way to affect the learning and becoming process.

7. Develop Emotional Capacities

Emotions are expressions of our loving capacity, and affect motivation.

Happiness: near, well-treated, pleased. Sadness: removed, hurt, grieved. Anger: mistreated, threatened, wronged. Fear: threatened, insecure, at-risk. Disgust: violated, offended, made repulsive.

Understanding these forces of love can help us to regulate and direct their influence in ways that are beneficial to ourselves and others.

8. Increase Intrinsic Motivation

The higher the value (V), the higher and more sustaining the intrinsic motivation (IM): KxLxC=V=IM.

Extrinsic motivators, though needed and useful, are limited, and can actually hinder motivation, especially if intrinsically motivated.

Self-actualization and motivation occur when all three capacities are fully and actively engaged.

9. Strive KxLxC Motivation & Effort Will Factors that positively affect striving:

relevance, success, ability, consequences, options, concern, attraction, discipline, self-regulation, goal directedness, responsibility, resolution, endurance, perseverance, constancy, strength, determination, firmness of purpose, courage, service, prudence, nobility, integrity, humility, certitude, character.

Growth requires effort. CauseEffect.

10. Develop as a Process Development is the process of

potentiality (KxLxC) becoming realized incrementally and in stages.

Differentiation, integration and generalization are the processes of learning and development.

Diagnose and prescribe what is needed to encourage optimal development.

11. Develop Positive Relationships

It is primarily through social interactions that knowing, loving and creating are exercised and developed.

Positive relationships are: courteous, creative, caring, compassionate,

consultative, complementary, chaste, collaborative and cooperative.

Positive social environments are: safe, secure, service-oriented, just, unified,

peaceful, hopeful, respectful and refined.

12. Develop Your Individuality

Each person has unique endowments, powers, responsibilities, talents, interests and capabilities based on innate, inherited and acquired characteristics which they are ultimately responsible to develop.

We have all been created noble. Do not abase anyone, let others abase anyone or themselves, or let yourself be abased.

What, why, how, and how much each person knows, loves and creates is unique.

13. Appreciate Diversity Our similarities are greater than our

differences, but we are all unique. Our unique endowments, experiences

and heredity lends to the beauty of the world and the development of others.

Each person is a mine filled with precious gems and minerals. Discover, refine and share your gems with the world.

Unity in diversity is guiding principle for development.

14. Have High Standards The evaluation of all things depends

upon justice and equity. We show the results of our learning

through our lives, deeds and actions. Aspire to achieve excellence in all

things and to become the most you can.

Work on yourself, overlook others’ faults.

Education and Developing Potential

Education is the foundation of human excellence, prosperity, joy and glory. Its acquisition is incumbent upon everyone.

Knowledge is as wings to life and a ladder for our ascent.

The root of wrongdoing is ignorance. To be effective, education must address

our knowing, loving and creating capacities.

References The ideas in this presentation have

been heavily inspired by or come from the Baha’i writings and the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles developed by the APA: http://www.apa.org/ed/lcp2/

Website with this presentation and related papers, materials and links: www-academic.nmu.edu/education/rclarken

Gravity of Self Just as the earth attracts everything to

the center of gravity…so also material ideas and worldly thoughts attract man to the center of self. Anger, passion, ignorance, prejudice, greed, envy, covetousness, jealously and suspicion prevent man from ascending to the realm of holiness imprisoning him in the claws of self and the cage of egotism. Abdu’l-Baha

Be God-Centered, not Self-Centered

Help ye the one true God, exalted be His glory, by your goodly deeds, by such conduct and character as shall be acceptable in His sight.  He that seeketh to be a helper of God in this Day, let him close his eyes to whatever he may possess, and open them to the things of God.  Let him cease to occupy himself with that which profiteth him, and concern himself with that which shall exalt the all-compelling name of the Almighty.  He should cleanse his heart from all evil passions and corrupt desires, for the fear of God is the weapon that can render him victorious, the primary instrument whereby he can achieve his purpose.  GWB, p.272

Spiritual

Soul Spiritual capacities Intellect, heart and

will

Human nature. Material

  Body Physical capacities Genetic, environment

 

Five physical and five spiritual senses.

PHYSICAL Sight Hearing Taste Smell Feel

SPIRITUAL Psyche/Soul Imagination Thought Comprehension Memory