Abraham Maslow
1908–1970 — USA
Era: Modern
Brilliance: 8/10 | Stewardship: 6/10 | Composite Index: 48
The hierarchy of needs. Self-actualization.
"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself."
Biography
Abraham Maslow revolutionized psychology by shifting focus from mental illness to human potential and flourishing. His hierarchy of needs became one of the most influential frameworks in psychology, education, and business, proposing that selfactualization—realizing one's fullest potential—is the pinnacle of human motivation. His humanistic approach fundamentally reshaped how we understand human motivation and personal growth.
Key Facts
- Developed Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in 1943, depicted as a five-level pyramid from basic physiological needs to self-actualization
- Coined the term 'self-actualization' to describe the human drive to fulfill one's potential and achieve personal fulfillment
- Studied exceptionally healthy and creative individuals rather than mentally ill patients, pioneering the psychology of excellence
- His work laid the foundation for humanistic psychology, a major school of thought challenging behaviorism and psychoanalysis
- Served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1968 and profoundly influenced education, management, and organizational psychology
Stop surviving. Start self-actualizing. Your potential is waiting.
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