It was originally introduced by Kurt Goldstein, a physician specializing in neuroanatomy and psychiatry in the early half of the 20th century. As conceived by Goldstein, self-actualization is the ultimate goal of all organisms. He saw all behaviors and drives as manifestations of this overarching motivation.

What is self-actualization by Abraham Maslow?

Self-actualization is the final stage in the linear growth of an individual. Maslow believed that in order to achieve this state of personal fulfilment, the person must first satisfy the preceding needs (i.e. physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem, in that order).

Why is Albert Einstein self-actualized?

As it happens, Einstein was one of 18 subjects whose works and accomplishments were studied by Maslow in order to develop his original characteristics of self-actualization. Maslow determined that, despite personal setbacks, Einstein represented an objectively self-actualized individual.