This is a good list of 15 things we can all look at ourselves and strive to be better people.

Maslow‘s 15 Traits of The Self-Actualized Person

  • Perceives reality accurately and objectively; tolerates and even likes ambiguity; and is not threatened by the unknown.
  • Accepts himself, others and human nature.
  • Is spontaneous, natural, genuine.
  • Is problem-centered (not self-centered), non-egotistical; has a philosophy of life and probably a mission in life.
  • Needs some privacy and solitude more than others do; is able to concentrate intensely.
  • Is independent, self-sufficient and autonomous; has less need for praise or popularity
  • Has the capacity to appreciate simple and common place experiences; has zest in living, high humor, and the ability to handle stress
  • Has (and is aware of) rich, alive, fulfilling “peak experiences,” or moments of intense enjoyment.
  • Has deep feelings of brotherhood with all mankind; is benevolent, altruistic.
  • Forms strong friendship ties with relatively few people; and is capable of greater love.
  • Is democratic and unprejudiced in the deepest possible sense.
  • Is strongly ethical and moral in individual (not necessarily conventional) ways; enjoys work in achieving a goal as much as the goal itself; is patient, for the most part.
  • Has a thoughtful, philosophical sense of humor that is constructive, not destructive.
  • Is creative, original, inventive with a fresh, naive, simple and direct way of looking at life; tends to do most things creatively ‹ but does not necessarily possess great talent.
  • Is capable of detachment from culture; can objectively compare cultures and can take or leave conventions.

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One Response to “15 Traits of the Self-Actualized Person”

  1. My heart and head really resonate with this list that you attribute to Maslow. I find your descriptions really beautiful. I tried to line these up with the Wiki version of 17 qualities of self-actualized people. I find your list much easier to understand. I tried (but not very hard) to align the two lists to see your thinking and how you came to these understandings but I failed. I would be really interested in your train of thought and how you came to the descriptiosn you used. I hope you can share more (either on your blog or through email). On behalf of all people – thank you!

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