“The self-actualizing person is realistically oriented, accepts himself and others, is spontaneous, is deeply appreciative of life even in its most elementary aspects, is independent and autonomous, and has a rich inner life.”
—
Abraham Maslow
Toward a Psychology of Being (1962), D. Van Nostrand Co.; also Motivation and Personality (1954)
Commentary
Maslow studied exemplary persons (Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Beethoven, etc.) to identify characteristics of self-actualization. Rather than pathology-focused (what's wrong?), he asked: what's right? What are mature, fulfilled people like?
Key characteristics: realism (not defensive distortion), self-acceptance (not narcissism or self-hatred), spontaneity (not rigid conformity), appreciation (gratitude, humility), autonomy (not dependent), rich inner life (not emptiness). This positive-psychology approach remains influential and challenged psychology's traditional pathology-focus.
Commentary
Maslow studied exemplary persons (Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Beethoven, etc.) to identify characteristics of self-actualization. Rather than pathology-focused (what's wrong?), he asked: what's right? What are mature, fulfilled people like?
Key characteristics: realism (not defensive distortion), self-acceptance (not narcissism or self-hatred), spontaneity (not rigid conformity), appreciation (gratitude, humility), autonomy (not dependent), rich inner life (not emptiness). This positive-psychology approach remains influential and challenged psychology's traditional pathology-focus.