It seems as though every Sociologist creates his or her own definition of Anxiety. Each definition of Anxiety being ghastly different, however, tying back to three common situations: Fear, Encounters with primary groups, secondary groups, and the public, and Anxiety towards Self-Growth. In analyzing Rollo May's "The Discovery of Being," we find that May incorporates many different definitions of these situations from other Sociologists, as well as ties in many of his own thoughts and ideas. Also at times, May disregards strongly other Sociologist's views on these situations, creating an interesting and unique view of society and Psychology. In this analysis of "The Discovery of Being," we will examine May's particular definitions and thoughts on Anxiety and Being, Anxiety and Encounter, and Anxiety and Self-Growth.

Early in the book, May touches on his views of Anxiety, he discusses Anxiety as being something that does not arise from a fear of "lack of libidinal satisfactions or security," but rather out of fear of our own powers, and any pertaining conflicts. He discusses this as a present day problem, which has been significantly influenced by societ

Anxiety is defined in Webster's Dictionary as "distress of mind; uneasiness." Although vague and bland, this definition seems to cover the variety of ways that Anxiety can creep into one's head. We looked at three different situations where Anxiety commonly arises, and in each of the situation, we returned with a new entirely unique definition. An amazing point of May's was that he claimed Anxiety changes and with it, the definition of Anxiety changes as time passes by. Societal goals change, and thus self-growth changes; mannerisms and interaction techniques change and encounter changes; personal power and libidinal satisfactions change, and so once again May's definition of Anxiety and Being must change as well. Thus, the process of studying Anxiety is a constantly changing field, yet remains a similar feeling to all who experience it, regardless of the time period. May's unique writing style and brilliant thoughts made Anxiety a remarkably easy and interesting topic to read about.

y and present societal goals. Libidinal satisfactions are so easily encountered in our day that it becomes hard to avoid them. The prevalent Anxiety is found upon self-reflection and our own realizations of what we actually can do, but for some reason neglect to do so. Our constant outlook to go further in society than our neighbor is tied to our Anxiety of Being and Non-Being.

The final situation in which Anxiety commonly arises is within Self-Growth. May's describes every human as being centered in themselves, and centered in their respected lives. Sudden changes throw off the balance of this center and can cause much distress. However, May states that "all existing persons have the need and possibility of going out from their centerednes

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Approximate Word count = 1170
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)