Carl Jung was among the first scholars to introduce and elaborate on the concept of self-actualization. According to Jung, the fundamental purpose of human life is self-realization. To attain this goal, individuals must first acquire self-knowledge. In this process of recognition, the most crucial aspect is the integration of the individual with their authentic self through confrontation with their “shadow” elements. As outlined in Jung’s notion of “individuation,” this involves facing the unconscious components of the psyche in order to achieve wholeness. Hence, self-actualization is not merely a psychological process of personal development; it is a multilayered phenomenon encompassing ethical, aesthetic, and existential dimensions. In contemporary societies, individuals pursue self-realization through creativity, originality, the establishment of sincere and authentic relationships, and the quest for meaning.
Another theorist who addressed the concept of self-actualization was Kurt Goldstein. In his view, self-actualization represents the individual’s aspiration to attain desired goals by identifying, cultivating, and applying their inherent abilities.
Maslow and the Drive Toward Self-Actualization
Abraham Maslow, however, provided the most comprehensive explanation of the concept. According to Maslow, human beings are endowed with an innate drive toward self-actualization. The realization of the self becomes possible when individuals recognize, utilize, and develop this latent potential.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs posits that the satisfaction of basic physiological requirements must precede the fulfillment of higher-order psychological needs. This developmental trajectory is not confined to the mere gratification of necessities but extends to profound existential inquiries. Within this framework, the model may be defined as the individual’s ability to actualize their highest potential, to live in harmony with their unique self, and to cultivate the capacity for meaning-making.
Maslow emphasized that self-actualization, located at the pinnacle of the hierarchy, is not solely an individual achievement but also a phenomenon influenced by social integration and communal contributions. Moreover, cultural and individual differences play a decisive role in shaping the path toward personal development. The notion of “self-realization” assumes distinct meanings across cultures and individuals. Consequently, it is imperative not only to ask “what self-actualization is” but also to investigate the meanings individuals ascribe to it. Culture and society profoundly shape one’s worldview and one’s interpretation of life.
Self-Actualization and the Authentic Self
Self-actualization, therefore, should not be reduced to the mere utilization of potential or the attainment of success and talent. Rather, it entails acceptance of the authentic self—including one’s shadow aspects—and the establishment of a harmonious, healthy relationship with oneself. When Maslow’s theory is considered alongside Viktor Frankl’s concept of meaning, it becomes evident that individuals achieve fulfillment only upon discovering their unique life paths. True satisfaction is attained when life is shaped not through the eyes of others but through personal decisions and the inner voice.
Frankl argued that even within the extreme conditions of concentration camps, humanity’s most fundamental need was the “search for meaning.” Despite hunger, thirst, and despair, individuals sought a sense of purpose that connected them to life. Importantly, the discovery of meaning is not always a euphoric revelation; it often emerges from suffering, loss, and uncertainty. Thus, self-actualization is best understood as an ongoing journey rather than a final destination—a journey that can be arduous and unpredictable.
The metaphor of Frankl’s camp manifests in contemporary contexts in diverse forms such as unemployment anxiety, loss of belonging, relational difficulties, and burnout. These represent crises of meaning, and navigating them requires individuals to confront the daunting yet profound challenge of uncovering their own reasons for existence. By questioning and exploring the “why” of these experiences, individuals embark upon the adventure of their personal search for meaning. Ultimately, through this journey, they begin to recognize and accept themselves—their strengths, weaknesses, desires, and aversions—thereby moving toward self-discovery and self-actualization. In this sense, self-actualization is not merely a personal accomplishment but the expression of one’s unique relationship with life itself.
REFERENCES
Oğlu, A. M. (2014). Kendini Gerçekleştirme ve Kişilik. (Publication No. 105003012) (Master’s thesis, İstanbul Arel University).
Tekke, M. (2019). Maslow’un İhtiyaçlar Hiyerarşisinin En Son Düzeyleri: Kendini Gerçekleştirme ve Kendini Aşmışlık. Journal of Qualitative Research in Education, 7(4), 1704–1712.