was maslow right, or can we be happy by just appreciating what we have and not striving to be all we can be just to keep up with jones' or avoid condemnation from our friends, family, peers, society for not busting our guts out in order to conform?
2006-08-28 03:41:18 · 9 answers · asked by swot 5 in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
Of course they can, it depends on the personnality type, Think about all the prols happy with their mundain jobs living for the weekends. To some people it is a complete nightmare, the idea of responsibility for themselves, others etc. Any one can top off on the pyramid at any level, some people are happy with food in their belly and a roof over their head.
We are encouraged to strive for the top, when it could be our worst nightmare, and when it is statstically unlikely that we will achieve it. Its all part of the rat race.
2006-08-28 03:54:59 · answer #1 · answered by paul B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think self actualisation is as individual as the people who seek it. We all find our own way of accepting and being happy.
I'm a big fan of Abraham Maslow, but I do question the hierarchy of needs. In my experience its been more of a cycle of needs. By this I mean that, for example, the need for food is not just a one off need - its constant and will require replenishing every time it comes around.
If I'm not making sense its because my heads mashed after a long day - sorry, but I hope someone sees where I'm coming from!!!
Time for bed I think... night all =0)
2006-08-29 16:51:41 · answer #2 · answered by Robbie B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea what "self actualising" is supposed to mean.
However, I have been happy.
So, the answer to your question is "yes".
Unless it's possible to self actualise without even knowing that you're doing it, in which case the answer might be 'no'.
However, as a general rule of thumb, I'd say that anybody who is as completely up his own fundament as this Maslow guy sounds is probably just talking bollocks because the more bollocks you talk, the bigger your professorial chair.
2006-08-28 10:56:00 · answer #3 · answered by scotsman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Umm I am happy and I just appreciate. It is only in America and other flourishing nations that have the mantality to "keep up with the Jone's". My brother just got back from doing mission work in Costa Rica. Those people are completely happy in, what we would call, poverty. They don't know any different. They are happy as peach pie! So the answer is yes!
2006-08-28 10:48:06 · answer #4 · answered by Metacoma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel most happy people are probably on the path toward self-actualization, even if not actively striving toward it, or even consciously aware of it.
Also, if someone is working hard to attain the approval of others, they're going backwards (and in an unhealthy way) on the hierarchy. Self-actualization is about living for yourself, for what makes you happy, not living your life based on everyone else's opinions.
Just my opinion. *smile*
2006-08-28 11:34:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well if we stick to father freud life is lots simpler :)
It's not the best of answers that i'm giving i'm afraid (see, urge twards self-perfection! ;))), but seen as most parents want their children to fulfil what they always wanted to achieve, probably not :( which is in a way sad, as being happy as you are as often as not is the only way to make others happy as well
but i'm probably taking Maslow too narrowly here sorry :(
Oh look , maybe it's just us western cibilization? many oriental phylosophies teach quite the opposite
Comments from easterners, please!!!!!
2006-08-28 11:10:20 · answer #6 · answered by Faith * 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you can be, think of people that do not have sex out of choice they have not completed one of the stages yet they can still be happy. People with learning disabilities can fail to fulfil many requirements, yet show no signs of not having a happy life
2006-08-28 10:48:17 · answer #7 · answered by As You Like It 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, to a certain degree
2006-08-29 12:03:04 · answer #8 · answered by saywot? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-08-28 10:50:40 · answer #9 · answered by jane b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋