274 Part III Humanistic/Existential Theories
it, they can be unconventional and uncompromising even at the price of ostracism
and censure. The similarity between self-actualizing people and children and ani-
mals is in their spontaneous and natural behavior. They ordinarily live simple lives
in the sense that they have no need to erect a complex veneer designed to deceive
the world. They are unpretentious and not afraid or ashamed to express joy, awe,
elation, sorrow, anger, or other deeply felt emotions.Problem-Centering
A fourth characteristic of self-actualizing people is their interest in problems out-
side themselves. Non-self-actualizing people are self-centered and tend to see all
the world’s problems in relation to themselves, whereas self-actualizing people are
task-oriented and concerned with problems outside themselves. This interest allows
self-actualizers to develop a mission in life, a purpose for living that spreads
beyond self-aggrandizement. Their occupation is not merely a means to earning a
living but a vocation, a calling, an end in itself.
Self-actualizing people extend their frame of reference far beyond self. They
are concerned with eternal problems and adopt a solid philosophical and ethical
basis for handling these problems. They are unconcerned with the trivial and the
petty. Their realistic perception enables them to clearly distinguish between the
important and the unimportant issues in life.The Need for Privacy
Self-actualizing people have a quality of detachment that allows them to be alone
without being lonely. They feel relaxed and comfortable when they are either with
people or alone. Because they have already satisfied their love and belongingness
needs, they have no desperate need to be surrounded by other people. They can
find enjoyment in solitude and privacy.
Self-actualizing people may be seen as aloof or uninterested, but in fact, their
disinterest is limited to minor matters. They have a global concern for the welfare
of others without becoming entangled in minute and insignificant problems.
Because they spend little energy attempting to impress others or trying to gain love
and acceptance, they have more ability to make responsible choices. They are self-
movers, resisting society’s attempts to make them adhere to convention.Autonomy
Self-actualizing people are autonomous and depend on themselves for growth even
though at some time in their past they had to have received love and security from
others. No one is born autonomous, and therefore no one is completely independent
of people. Autonomy can be achieved only through satisfactory relations with others.
However, the confidence that one is loved and accepted without conditions
or qualifications can be a powerful force in contributing to feelings of self-worth.
Once that confidence is attained, a person no longer depends on others for self-
esteem. Self-actualizing people have that confidence and therefore a large measure
of autonomy that allows them to be unperturbed by criticism as well as unmoved
by flattery. This independence also gives them an inner peace and serenity not
enjoyed by those who live for the approval of others.