5 quotes from Abraham Maslow about human needs

Abraham Maslow is known as the father of humanism. A current that was present in many of the phrases that we collect today.

Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist known as one of the main founders of humanistic psychology. This current considers that all human beings are good by nature and that they need a vital project appropriate to the needs of each one. Abraham Maslow’s phrases are a faithful reflection of this.

Maslow is also known for the pyramid of needs. It is a theory that explains what drives human behavior, since, for this author, our actions are the result of the motivation that leads us to meet our needs.

At first, his theories were not very well received, but, little by little, they attracted the attention of psychologists of his time. In fact, in 1967 the American Humanist Association named him Humanist of the year. Those who knew him affirm that he was a great observer, as well as a passionate researcher.

Next, We have selected some of Abraham Maslow’s best phrases to reflect on and that, in addition, invite us to know it in greater depth.

The importance of being in the present moment

“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental health.”

This first of Abraham Maslow’s phrases is about the relationship between the present moment and mental health, one of the concepts that humanistic psychology addressed.

According to the study The concept of mental health in humanistic-existential psychology, mental health is seen as a necessity. Hence Maslow emphasizes this concept and relates it to the ability to be present. Because only when we are connected to the here and now, are we free from expectations, worries and guilt.

Being flexible is important to adapt

“If your only tool is a hammer, you will have to treat every problem as if it were a nail.”

Other needs that Abraham Maslow talked about are importance of knowing how to adapt and be flexible. Many people believe that it is the circumstances that must be adapted to them, the point is that this usually ends in failure.

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The fact that some people have more capacity to solve problems that can cause suffering occurs precisely because they know how to adapt to circumstances and be flexible. That is to say, They are able to see beyond and look for alternatives. The important thing is that we can all do it. Our mind is flexible, unless we hold on to beliefs or think we are possessors of an absolute truth.

Optimism must be authentic

“False optimism sooner or later means disappointment, hatred and hopelessness.”

For some years now, books with a positivist approach have begun to take center stage, constantly inviting us to smile and be optimistic. However, most of them lead us to experience a false optimism that, sooner or later, will fall on its own to give way to hopelessness.

It is not always possible to be optimistic and in the case of being able to cultivate this attitude, the foundations have to be strong. There is no point in reading positive messages if we do not integrate them, reflect and plant the seed of what they transmit within us. Because as this third of the Abraham Maslow quotes we must cultivate authentic optimism.

However, If we are not optimistic, we can work on it, but never pretend. This will only cause self-deception and when we least expect it, it will leave us unprotected in the face of reality.

Fear affects our personal development

“I have learned that the novice can often see things that the expert does not see. What is necessary is not to be afraid of making mistakes or appearing naive.”

In our society we can say, without fear of being wrong, that fear predominates. The fear of what people will say, of speaking in public or of making a fool of ourselves, among others. Fears that limit us and that, as Abraham Maslow says, affect our personal development.

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Therefore, let us never be afraid to ask questions, even if we think they are absurd. Nor, if we are teachers, researchers or specialists in a subject, let our ego prevent us from learning from those who are still on the way. Because The ability to question ourselves and the curiosity to learn more will help us continue growing.

We always want more

“The satisfaction of one need creates another.”

Without a doubt, this last of Abraham Maslow’s phrases refers to his pyramid of needs and the process of evolution and development of the human being, since Once we have reached a level, we usually look for the means to move to the next.

For this reason, people We always need new goals or objectives that allow us to continue improving ourselves. However, there are people who, once they have met a need, do not look further and settle. This leads to stagnation that causes frustration, the discomfort of not knowing what to do to resolve what is happening, and being in an unbearable comfort zone.

As we see, Abraham Maslow’s phrases invite us to reflect about different aspects that have to do with our needs, our actions and, ultimately, with our process of self-realization.