實用英語口語(高級) 32.Achieving self-actualization

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PROFESSOR:In the 1940's, a psychologist named Abraham Maslow challenged old ideas of psychology with a revolutionary claim. He claimed that all humans are inherently good. Sure, it doesn't seem like that crazy of an idea, but it was for his time. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of human psychology, such as Freud did, Maslow focused more on the positive. He focused on the potential of each person.

PROFESSOR:He claimed that humans are motivated to reach their fullest potential. In fact, he believed that the ultimate goal of living is to grow as a person and to become the best person one can be. He called this 'self- actualization'. 自我實現(xiàn)就是發(fā)揮自己最大的潛能，過自己想要的生活，過有意義的生活。 Maslow believed that humans can grow to become the best they can be as long as their personal needs were met and they were given opportunities and support along the way.

PROFESSOR:In his writings, he described a hierarchy of needs that every human experiences as they are working towards reaching their highest potential. This 'Hierarchy of Needs' provides a theory of human motivation and is Maslow's best known contribution to psychology. It's represented as a pyramid, and each level of the pyramid represents the different needs of humans as they develop. At the top, is self actualization, the fullest potential, which a human will reach only if the other needs below are met first. Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs' is based on five levels: Physiological needs - Every human has the most basic needs of oxygen, food, water, and sleep.

PROFESSOR:They're the strongest needs, and according to this theory, if these needs are not met, then higher needs will not be recognized. Safety needs - Once physiological needs are met, a person feels the need for safety and security. Such needs might be fulfilled by living in a safe area, being a citizen of a country with a stable government, having medical insurance, obtaining job security, and having a savings account and financial stability. Needs of love, affection and friendship - The third layer of human needs is social needs, such as love, affection and a feeling of belonging. Maslow states that humans need to feel accepted and part of a group, they need to love and to be loved.

PROFESSOR:Otherwise, they may feel lonely and alienated. Needs for esteem - Humans have a need for self respect, and respect from others. When these needs are satisfied, the person feels a healthy confidence and valued for their contribution to their community. Self actualization - When the bottom four levels of needs are satisfied, then, and only then, does a person experience their needs for self actualization. Maslow describes self actualization as a person's need to be and do that which the person was 'born to do?

PROFESSOR:It's the quest of reaching one's full potential as a person. Unlike lower level needs, this need is never fully satisfied; as one grows psychologically there are always new opportunities to continue to grow. Maslow claims that a person who has reached self actualization will encompass some of the following qualities: They look for those opportunities which help them grow as a person; they act in a way which is true to themselves; they embrace reality and facts rather than denying truth; they experience what he calls 'peak experiences', moments when they are more aware of themselves and the world. During such times they think, act, and feel most clearly and accurately; they are more loving and accepting of others, have less inner conflict and anxiety, and are better able to put their energies to constructive use; they are accepting of themselves and others and lack prejudice. Self actualization is the ultimate goal.

PROFESSOR:A person who has reached this level has achieved complete understanding of the self. To be self actualized means to truly know who you are, where you belong in the greater society, and to feel like you are accomplishing all that you're meant to be. It means to no longer feel shame or guilt, or even hate, but to accept the world and see human nature as inherently good. According to Maslow, many people reach this level, but very few, if anybody, ever master it. Think about your needs.

PROFESSOR:Where do you stand according to the pyramid? Are all your personal needs being met? Everyone has the potential to be the best they can be. Figure out what's standing in your way, and soon you'll be able to reach your highest potential.