Why, according to Maslow, are self-actualizing people so rare? List what Maslow found to be the characteristics of self-actualizing people.
Abraham Harold Maslow was an American psychologist who is best known for his theory: hierarchy of needs, which describes psychological health predications on studying needs and mood of humans. He had served as psychology professor at several esteemed universities. He emphasized upon the significance of observing positive qualities in individuals rather than criticizing them for their negative deeds.
Self-actualization means to realize one’s potential and to drive his energy to fulfill that talent. It may include creativity, spiritual enlightenment, and quest for knowledge.
People tend to understand their needs and pleasures. They need to identify the hidden talent in them. A writer should identify his potential of writing, so is for a musician for his music. However, not many people are honest enough to accept their hidden talent, or are incapable of finding the true knowledge about them. Hence, self-actualized people are rare.
According to Maslow, self-actualization people can perceive reality fully. They may accurately analyze themselves and accept the facts. They possess spontaneous nature, but yet are private people. They appreciate talent of everyone and are not biased to only their own family members. Most significantly, they possess a limited number of friends.