Toward a Psychology of Being
Cornerstone of Humanistic Psychology
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| "If we wish to help humans to become more fully human, we must realize not only
that they try to realize themselves, but that they are also reluctant or afraid
or unable to do so. Only by fully appreciating this dialectic between sickness
and health can we help to tip the balance in favor of health." |
Abraham Maslow
Toward a Psychology of
Being |
Abraham Maslow's theories of
self-actualization and the
hierarchy of human needs are the cornerstone of modern
humanistic psychology, and no book so well epitomizes those ideas as
his classic Toward a
Psychology of Being.
A profound book, an exciting book, its influence continues to spread, more than
a quarter century after its author's death, beyond psychology and throughout
the humanities, social theory, and
business management theory.
Of course, the book's enduring popularity stems from the important questions it
raises and the answers it provides concerning what is fundamental to human
nature and psychological well-being, and what is needed to promote, maintain,
and restore mental and emotional well-being. But its success also has to do
with Maslow's unique ability to convey difficult philosophical concepts with
passion, precision, and astonishing clarity, and, through the power of his
words, to ignite in readers a sense of creative joy and wholeness toward which
we, as beings capable of self-actualization, strive.
This
book makes Abraham Maslow's ideas accessible to whole world of psychology
students, as well as businesspeople, managers, and trainers interested in
applying the study of human behavior to management techniques.
An energetic and articulate scholar, Professor Maslow was the author of more
than twenty books, including Maslow on Management; Psychology of Science;
Religions, Values, and Peak Experiences, and Motivation and Personality.
He also wrote nearly one hundred articles. His teachings continue to be a
staple for psychologists and psychology students.
"Capacities clamor to be used, and cease their clamor only when they are well
used. . . Not only is it fun to use our capacities, but it is necessary for
growth. The unused skill or capacity or organ can become a disease center or
else atrophy or disappear, thus diminishing the person." -Abraham Maslow
Abraham Maslow doesn't pretend to have easy answers, absolutes, or solutions
that bring the relief of finality-but he does have a deep belief in people. In Toward
a Psychology of Being, there is a constant optimistic thrust toward a
future based on the intrinsic values of humanity. Professor Maslow states that,
"This inner nature, as much as we know of it so far, seems not to be
intrinsically evil, but rather either neutral or positively 'good.' What we
call evil behavior appears most often to be a secondary reaction to frustration
of this intrinsic nature." He demonstrates that human beings can be loving,
noble, and creative, and are capable of pursuing the highest values and
aspirations.
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