have anyone here ever reached the peak of maslow's self-actualization. can you safely say -?

Question

that you are now self-actualized.?

Answer 1

To borrow a cliche (sorry), self-actualization is not a destination but a journey.

You're never going to be "perfectly actualized," although you will find people who are very healthy spiritually and psychologically.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is good as far as it goes, but he was in love with the idea of a tiered structure and sort of wrapped reality around his theory. Some other flaws? He assumes that everyone would prioritize self-actualization if they had the option (many people will choose to do what is more satisfying and convenient in the short term). And, in typical western fashion, he holds up "SELF-realization" as the ideal, rather than choosing community or some other-centered quality.

Still, the gist of what he said is true. If our basic instinctual needs are not met, we have a lot of trouble focusing on higher ideals. (I.e., don't try to teach morality and progress to a starving person, give them some food! That's all they're interested in right now). So there tends to be a progression.

Just the fact he offers an intangible, internalized ideal of what we could be as the "end result of life" is also something worth believing in. It's hinting at the spiritual aspirations of human beings.

But if anyone claims to be self-actualized, they've just proven they're not. And usually the closer you get, the less likely you are to even think of yourself in those terms.

Maturation seems to be based more on accepting who you are, working within your limitations, and learning how to give selflessly to others. Those who are truly mature end up being humble precisely because they've come to grips with the good and bad points of themselves and no longer need to make themselves the focus of their spiritual journey.

Answer 2

Let's see, i like my job, i like the community i live in...i feel like ive done everything, everybody respects me and my ideas....yuppp im self actualized.....yeah right....