Real Self
In Abraham Maslow’s Framework, the Real Self represents an individual’s most authentic and true nature—an ideal state where one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions align harmoniously with their deepest identity, values, and potential. The Real Self is uncovered through processes of self-actualization, where individuals overcome societal conditioning and their own insecurities to reach their fullest, most genuine expression.[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, Human Diminution, Inner Signals, Intrinsic Consciousness, Normalcy, Normative Biology, Peak Experience, Plateau Experience, Real Self, Self-Actualization, Transcending Self-Actualizers, Transhumanistic
Syncretic Terms
Related LP Terms
Spiritual Ego > Alignment, Bodily Ego, Differentiated Consciousness, Ego, First Birth, Flame of Monadic Self Awareness, God, God with a big "G", God with a little "g", Identity, Monad, Monadic Intensification, Physical Unit, Prism Metaphor, Resident Monadic Consciousness, The Sun
Non-LP Related Terms
Normalcy > Integration, More-Than-Human
Notes
See Horney [2]
Maslow felt that moving one towards Full Humanness required being aware of one's True Self.[3]
- Self-Actualization: Maslow proposed that reaching the Real Self requires meeting one’s deficiency needs, allowing individuals to focus on growth needs (self-actualization needs). This leads to authenticity, autonomy, and a fully realized expression of one's abilities and aspirations.
- Differentiation from False Self: The Real Self contrasts with the False Self or "mask," an identity molded by external pressures, expectations, and unfulfilled needs. While the False Self may reflect a version of oneself adapted to social roles and expectations, the Real Self transcends these limitations.
- Peak Experiences: Moments of connection with the Real Self often occur in what Maslow described as “peak experiences”—profound, transformative moments when individuals feel deeply connected to their values, purpose, and creative potential.
In the Lightning Path framework, Maslow's Real Self aligns closely with the Spiritual Ego—a powerful, genuine core identity. Both frameworks suggest that meeting basic needs, fostering safe environments, and engaging in meaningful experiences can facilitate deeper alignment with the Real Self.
"Maslow was always committed to the view that self-actualization is the actualization of the 'self'."[4]
The Purpose of the "good civilization was to satisfy human needs so that the "Real Self could grow up and flourish" [5]
Footnotes
- ↑ Maslow, A. H. The Farther Reaches of Human Nature New York: Viking, 1971. p. 30-1
- ↑ Horney, Karen. Neurosis and Human Growth: Karen Horney: 9780393307757: Gateway - Amazon.Ca. WW Norton, 1991. https://amzn.to/2IQj2Yy.
- ↑ Maslow, A. H. The Farther Reaches of Human Nature New York: Viking, 1971. p. 31.
- ↑ Daniels, M. “The Development of the Concept of Self-Actualization in the Writings of Abraham Maslow.” Current Psychological Perspectives 2 (1982): 71.
- ↑ Weidman, Nadine. 2023. "Abraham Maslow, Utopian Realist." Journal of Humanistic Psychology 63(4):438–58. p. 441. doi: 10.1177/00221678211007670.
