Good Person
In Abraham Maslow's framework, the Good Person is an individual who has reached a high level of psychological health, often through the process of self-actualization. This concept centers on qualities and characteristics that Maslow believed exemplify a well-developed, fully realized human being.[1]
Abraham Maslow Terms
B-Cognition, B-Realm, Big Problem, D-Cognition, D-Realm, Deficiency Diseases, Eupsychia, Eupsychian Theory, Good Person, Good Science, Good Society, Good Specimen, Hierarchy of Basic Needs, Hierarchy of Cognitive Needs, Intrinsic Consciousness, Normalcy, Normative Biology, Plateau Experience, Self-Actualization, Transcending Self-Actualizers, Transhumanistic
Components of Eupsychia
Eupsychia > Good Person, Good Science, Good Society, Good Specimen
Big Problems
Big Problems > Good Person, Good Society
Syncretic Terms
Related LP Terms
Non-LP Related Terms
Notes
Key attributes of a "good person" in Maslow’s framework include:
Self-Awareness and Acceptance: A good person is deeply self-aware, with a clear sense of their strengths, weaknesses, and values. They accept themselves and others without judgment and show an ability to embrace imperfections and complexities.
Authenticity: Maslow's good person is genuine, honest, and true to themselves. They do not conform to social expectations simply for approval but instead act in alignment with their inner principles and values.
Creativity and Spontaneity: A self-actualized, "good" person is open to experiences, adaptable, and creative. They approach life with curiosity and a fresh perspective, often engaging in creative pursuits and problem-solving in unique ways.
Altruism and Compassion: Maslow believed that self-actualized individuals naturally extend compassion, empathy, and kindness to others. They experience what he called "B-love" (Being-love), a form of love that is unconditional, accepting, and non-possessive, reflecting a mature, unselfish approach to relationships.
Autonomy and Independence: A good person in Maslow’s view is not overly dependent on others for approval or validation. They have a strong sense of inner direction and autonomy, meaning they are capable of making decisions based on their principles rather than external pressures.
Purpose and Meaning: Good people seek purpose beyond material or superficial gains, driven instead by intrinsic values, a sense of mission, or a calling. Maslow saw this as part of "transcendence," where individuals are motivated by self-actualization and, ultimately, by values that serve humanity as a whole.
Ethical and Moral Integrity: Maslow noted that good people are guided by strong internal ethics and a sense of justice. They have a clear moral compass and a commitment to higher values, often desiring to improve the world around them.
Peak Experiences: Good people often experience "peak experiences," moments of profound joy, connection, or insight that contribute to their sense of meaning and wholeness. These experiences help deepen their appreciation for life and foster a sense of unity with others and the world.
Creating a Good Person is a Big Problem and one that we must solve if the human species is to survive.
"The first and overarching Big Problem is to make the Good Person. We must have better human beings or else it is quite possible that we may all be wiped out. and even if not wiped out. certainly live in tension and anxiety as a species. A sine qua non prerequisite here is of course defining the Good Person, and I have made various statements about this throughout these memoranda. I cannot stress enough that we already have some beginning data, some indicators, perhaps as many as were available for the Manhattan Project people. I myself feel confident that the great crash program would be feasible. and I am sure that I could list a hundred, or two hundred, or two thousand part problems or subsidiary problems. Certainly enough to keep a huge number of people busy. This Good Person can equally be called the self-evolving person. the responsible-for-himself-and-his-own-evolution person. the fully illuminated or awakened or perspicuous man. the fully human person. the self-actualizing person. etc. In any case it is quite clear that no social reforms. no beautiful constitutions or beautiful programs or laws will be of any consequence unless people are healthy enough. evolved enough. strong enough. good enough to understand them and to want to put them into practice in the right way.[2].
Footnotes
