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Eupsychia

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Eupsychia

Eupsychia is a term coined by Abraham Maslow to describe an ideal, psychologically healthy society in which all individuals are free to actualize their full potential. It refers to a needs-satisfying, self-actualizing social structure that fosters Human Flourishing, creativity, and collective well-being, rather than perpetuating oppression, hierarchy, and control.[1] In a Eupsychian society, all Seven Essential Needs would be fully met, ensuring that every person grows up healthy, happy, whole, compassionate, aware, and connected, with their Human Potential fully realized.[2] First articulated by Abraham Maslow within the context of Humanistic Psychology, Eupsychia represents a scientifically grounded, needs-satisfying society aimed at the full actualization of human potential. It is one of many cultural visions—including the Age of Aquarius, Shambhala, and the Garden of Eden—that point towards the universal ideal of a Harmonic Social Structure. Arguably, eupsychia is a culturally and historically specific expression of the broader Lightning Path concept of a Harmonic Social Structure.

Concept Map

Key Terms

Human Development >

Harmonic Social Structure >

Eupsychia >

Examples

Harmonic Social Structure > Eupsychia

Syncretic Terms

Stage Seven >

Related LP Terms

Eupsychia > Graduation, Pathfinder Educational Model, Post-Capitalist Skills

Non-LP Related Terms

Eupsychia > B-Values, Big Problem

Abraham Maslow Terms

B-Cognition, B-Realm, B-Values, 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, Humanistic Psychology, Inner Signals, Intrinsic Consciousness, Normalcy, Normative Biology, Peak Experience, Plateau Experience, Real Self, Self-Actualization, Transcending Self-Actualizers, Transhumanistic

Notes

Originally articulated by Abraham Maslow within the tradition of Humanistic Psychology, Eupsychia was conceived as both a psychological ideal and a socio-political model. Maslow envisioned Eupsychia as the foundation of a new, scientifically informed Eupsychian Theory—a theory intended to replace outdated religious, capitalist, and authoritarian systems with structures that actively foster healing, connection, and the actualization of human potential.

Maslow's vision of Eupsychia was not limited to psychological theory; it was a blueprint for societal transformation. He explicitly argued for the development of a new psychology and a new social order aimed at human well-being, needs satisfaction, and planetary peace. In his words:

“There is now available a new conception, of a higher possibility, of the healthy society. There are tools now available to judge and compare societies. One society can be judged to be better than another society, or healthier or possessing more ‘growth-fostering-potential.’ We can talk about the value of the society, or the function of the society—that is, the greatest coming to fulfillment of the people in the society.”[3]

According to Maslow, Eupsychian theory would provide new systems of meaning where religion has so thoroughly failed [4] and would contribute to a reconceptualizaton of “every area of human knowledge: e.g., economics, sociology, biology, and every profession: e.g., the family, education, religion, etc.” [5] He was explicit about his goals[6] and active in developing curriculum.[7] He was also clear that even though the work that had been done as of 1970 was only the “bare beginning,” [8] nevertheless progress had been made. In 1969 he writes that “There is now available a new conception, of a higher possibility, of the healthy society. There are tools now available to judge and compare societies. One society can be judged to be better than another society, or healthier or possessing more ‘growth-fostering-potential.’ We can talk about the value of the society, or the function of the society-that is, the greatest coming to fulfillment of the people in the society” [9].

The Journal of Humanistic Psychology and the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, both of which Maslow helped to found, were originally intended as steps towards a Eupsychian psychology and society.

Quotes

It is now quite clear that the actualization of the highest

human potentials is possible-on a mass basis-only under "good conditions." Or more directly. good human beings will generally

need a good society in which to grow. Abraham Maslow. [10]

In a certain sense, only saints are mankind [sic]. All the rest are cripples [sic]. Abraham Maslow.[11] (Hoffman, 1999b, p. 4395)

LP Context

The Lightning Path acknowledges the foundational work of Maslow and integrates Eupsychian principles into its broader project of planetary healing, human flourishing, and the construction of a new global paradigm of education and development.Within the Lightning Path Human Development Framework, Eupsychia is understood as a culturally and historically specific expression of the broader, scientifically-grounded concept of a Harmonic Social Structure. It is one of many cultural visions—including the Age of Aquarius, Shambhala, and the Garden of Eden—that point toward the universal ideal of a connected, empowered, and flourishing planetary society

Why Eupsychia Matters

The Regime of Accumulation and the Accumulating Class have long maintained systems of oppression that block human potential and collective progress. Eupsychia offers a radical, yet scientifically grounded alternative that:

  • Rejects the exploitative systems of capitalism and hierarchy.
  • Centers education, governance, and economics on human well-being.
  • Creates conditions where individuals can truly flourish.

Pathfinder and the Lightning Path integrate Eupsychian principles to actively build a new paradigm of education and human development.

Core Principles of Eupsychia

  1. Alignment and Connection as a Social Goal
    • Society is designed to support personal growth and the actuation of full human potential, rather than suppress it.
    • Education, work, and governance prioritize human potential rather than compliance.
  2. Needs-Satisfying Social Structures
    • Eupsychian societies ensure that all individuals have access to their Seven Essential Needs.
    • Rejects the Scarcity Paradigm imposed by capitalist systems.
  3. Collaboration Over Competition
    • Moves beyond the competitive, hierarchical structures of capitalism.
    • Encourages cooperative learning, shared decision-making, and mutual empowerment.
  4. Decentralized & Healing-Centered Education
  5. Alignment with Nature & Planetary Well-Being
    • Eupsychia is not anthropocentric—it integrates sustainability and ecological consciousness into all aspects of life.
    • Societies function in harmony with the planet, ensuring long-term survival and ethical stewardship.

Readings

Abraham H. Maslow, "Eupsychia—The Good Society," interview by Trevor Thomas, Pacifica Foundation Radio, August 1960, transcript, Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1, no. 1 (1961): pp. 1-11, https://doi.org/10.1177/002216786100100202.

In a radio interview transcripted in 1960 Maslow's and given as the foundational article of the Maslow's new "Journal of Humanistic Psychology (Volume 1, Issue 1, Page 1)" [12] Maslow articulates Eupsychia not as a prescriptive blueprint, but as an emergent property of widespread psychological health. His perspective shifts the focus from designing perfect institutions to fostering the conditions for individual growth, from which better societies will naturally arise. This interview and its inclusion as the seminal article in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology the humanistic and optimistic groundwork for all subsequent Eupsychian theory.

Citation and Legal

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Footnotes

  1. ↑ Maslow, Abraham. “Eupsychia—The Good Society.” Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1, no. 2 (1961): p. 2.
  2. ↑ Sosteric, Mike, and Gina Ratkovic. “Eupsychian Theory: Reclaiming Maslow and Rejecting The Pyramid The Seven Essential Needs.” PsyArXiv Preprints, 2020. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/fswk9.
  3. ↑ Maslow, A.H. Motivation and Personality (2nd Ed.). New York: Harper & Row, 1970, xxi.
  4. ↑ A. H. Maslow, Religions, Values, and Peak Experiences (Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1964), https://amzn.to/2U2Rhgq
  5. ↑ A. H. Maslow, Motivation and Personality (2nd Ed.) (New York: Harper & Row, 1970), x, https://amzn.to/2OSRmlX.
  6. ↑ A. H. Maslow, Towards a Psychology of Being (2nd Edition) (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1968).
  7. ↑ A. H. Maslow, “Some Fundamental Questions That Face the Normative Social Psychologist.,” Journal of Humanistic Psychology 8, no. 2 (April 1968): 143.
  8. ↑ Maslow, Motivation and Personality (2nd Ed.), xxi.
  9. ↑ Maslow, A. H., “The Farthest Reaches of Human Nature,” The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology 1, no. 1 (1969): 7.
  10. ↑ Maslow, A. H. The Farthest Reaches of Human Nature. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 1(1), 1–9. (1969) p. 7
  11. ↑ Hoffman, E. The Right to be Human: A Biography of Abraham Maslow. McGraw Hill. (1999b) , p. 4395
  12. ↑ Abraham H. Maslow, "Eupsychia—The Good Society," interview by Trevor Thomas, Pacifica Foundation Radio, August 1960, transcript, Journal of Humanistic Psychology 1, no. 1 (1961): pp. 1-11, https://doi.org/10.1177/002216786100100202. In a 1960 radio interview, Abraham Maslow first publicly elaborated on his concept of "Eupsychia" as a psychologically healthy culture, distinct from materially-focused Utopias. His initial thinking established several core principles: A Response to Affluence: Maslow argued that as a society satisfies basic material needs (food, shelter, security), it naturally turns its attention to "higher" psychological and spiritual needs, making the conception of a Eupsychia not only possible but necessary. Rooted in "Human Nature": Eupsychia is not built upon external dogma or ideology but is derived from the innate, instinctual "higher needs" within human beings. Maslow posited that by studying the healthiest individuals, we can discover the universal, cross-cultural values (truth, beauty, goodness, justice, spontaneity) that should form the basis of a good society. The Primacy of Psychological Health: The central features of such a society would be determined by the characteristics of psychologically healthy ("self-actualizing") people. These include: Perceptiveness: The ability to see truth clearly, unclouded by fear, convention, or hypocrisy. Spontaneity & Creativity: The capacity for natural, uninhibited expression and the courage to defy tradition and generate new ideas. Respect for Individual Differences: A democratic, even anarchistic, tendency to allow others to grow in their own unique style. Transcendence of Tribalism: Healthy individuals feel a brotherhood with all of humanity, moving beyond destructive nationalism. "Weak Instincts" for Good: A critical insight Maslow offered is that our innate impulses toward goodness, truth, and beauty are not overpowering but are "weak, subtle, and delicate." They are easily overcome by a pathological culture, fear, or "counter-morality." Therefore, the primary function of a Eupsychian society is to create an environment that protects, encourages, and strengthens these fragile good instincts. Path to Eupsychia: Maslow identified psychotherapy and deep self-knowledge (e.g., through self-therapy and education focused on inner discovery) as the primary tools for individuals to overcome fear and connect with their intrinsic human nature. He believed that as more individuals achieve psychological health, they naturally form the nucleus of a global Eupsychia, capable of generating a healthier culture. Annotation: This early articulation is crucial as it establishes Eupsychia not as a prescriptive blueprint, but as an emergent property of widespread psychological health. It shifts the focus from designing perfect institutions to fostering the conditions for individual growth, from which better societies will naturally arise. This interview lays the humanistic and optimistic groundwork for all subsequent Eupsychian theory.








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