Summary of Steven Kotler’s The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance (2014) is a psychology and self-help

book about realizing our true potential through the power of

flow – a state of consciousness characterized by total

immersion in an activity. American author Steven Kotler

explains how flow has enabled extreme athletes to push the

boundaries of human potential. He investigates the

neuroscience behind flow, its different characteristics, and

how to trigger it. With this knowledge, we can learn how to

effortlessly enter this state of mind, thus significantly

enhancing our performance and living up to our true

potential.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Feb 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669345121

IRB Media

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Summary of Steven Kotler’s The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance

Overview

The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance (2014)  is a psychology and self-help book about realizing our true potential through the power of flow – a state of consciousness characterized by total immersion in an activity. American author Steven Kotler explains how flow has enabled extreme athletes to push the boundaries of human potential. He investigates the neuroscience behind flow, its different characteristics, and how to trigger it. With this knowledge, we can learn how to effortlessly enter this state of mind, thus significantly enhancing our performance and living up to our true potential.

The Boundaries of Human Potential

Extreme athletes often perform feats that most people would consider impossible. Over the last three decades, many have pushed the limits of human performance, entirely altering the boundaries of what is achievable in this evolutionary eyeblink.

Swiss geologist Albert Heim was one of the first scientists to explore the radically altered state of consciousness reached during high-risk activities. In 1892, Heim wrote Remarks on Fatal Falls, a long essay that describes this state as experienced by people who had survived near-fatal falls.

The cause of this state was a matter of long debate. Many assumed it was paranormal. However, American philosopher, physician, and psychologist William James , a contemporary of Heim’s, argued that the cause is in fact psychological. Profound experiences can cause psychological changes. Moreover, high-risk adventures can enhance both mental and physical performance.  This revelation piqued James's interest in the boundaries of human potential. He eventually concluded that most people utilize only a small percentage of their potential consciousness.

However, James also recognized that humans were not bound to remain that way. Our rational consciousness is only one among many states of consciousness, and by applying the right stimulus, we can access their power.

Mindset influences emotion, which