Self-Actualization and Mature Personailty

Fulfillment of primary needs and secondary needs is essential for growth and development. All humans have the tendency to grow and develop. There is a need to grow, expand and mature. All of us have talents and capabilities, but do we really use them to the maximum? Some people appear to be doing the best that they are capable of doing, but not all.

Self-actualization refers to the development of the individual up to his or her full potential. Self actualization does not mean the end of growth; it is not the path to maturity rather it is the path of maturity.

As we are nurtured in our social world we come to learn social and moral values. Values help us to give direction and help us evaluate the world to make effective decisions and successful adjustments. Love and respect for self, others and nature, being problem centered and not self-centered, openness to learning, having a purpose in life are some significant aspects to imbibe in life.

In addition we have to continually work for our personal growth. Just having values is insufficient, for we must be motivated to translate our values into action. Self-actualization provides us with the motivation to grow and expand.

Mahatma Gandhi not only advocated but also personally followed the principles of ahimsa and disciplined life. Mother Teresa served the poor and down trodden with love, devotion and compassion. Such people recognize and identify their potential and put it to productive use. Self-actualization helps define the person, thus when we say Mahatam Gandhi or Mother Teresa the words ‘ahimsa’ and ‘devotion’ immediately come to our mind.