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Maslow was unhappy with self-actualization being the final need in his pyramid – the pinnacle. During self-actualization, we are still focused on oneself. And generally speaking that selfish pursuit of self-fulfillment ends up feeling shallow. In a great paradox, by focusing on reaching self-actualization you can’t ever truly attain it. To truly be satisfied and fulfilled as a person, we must focus on more than ourself – we must look externally.

As such, towards the end of his life, Maslow added a new pinnacle to his hierarchy: the need for self-transcendence – following a very important conversation.

Maslow and Self-Transcendence.
As we’ve just learned, self-actualization refers to fulfilling our own potential. Whereas, self-transcendence is about transcending the self to focus on something “bigger”. It is s a shift in value from the self to something greater – another person, society as a whole, the universe, etc.

Self-transcendence is the realization that you are a small part of a greater whole. and that you must take responsibility for the world and society. It is only in putting others ahead of yourself (through self-transcendence) that one is able to actually achieve self-actualization.

Note: Maslow died before being able to develop the 6th pillar (self-transcendence) of his Hierarchy of Needs → Physiological needs > Safety needs > Love and belonging > Esteem > Self actualization.

the tree never feels less like a tree just because it is different from the others in the forest

-cleowade