In psychology, self-actualization is achieved when you're able to reach your full potential. Being truly self-actualized is considered the exception rather than the rule since most people are working to meet more pressing needs.
Is self-actualization achievable?
While Maslow believed achieving self-actualization is somewhat rare and posited that only about 1% of the adult population has self-actualized, current research shows this number may be higher. Further, self-actualization has not been found to correlate with age, gender, income level, or race.
Who has achieved self-actualization?
These 9 historical figures demonstrate different aspects of self-actualization that Maslow believed all self-actualized individuals possessed to one degree or another.
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- Abraham Lincoln. ...
- Thomas Jefferson. ...
- Albert Einstein. ...
- Eleanor Roosevelt. ...
- Jane Addams. ...
- William James. ...
- Albert Schweitzer. ...
- Aldous Huxley.