Top 30+ Abraham Maslow Quotes That Illuminate Human Motivation

Abraham Maslow, a prominent 20th-century psychologist renowned for his creation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Abraham Maslow's quotes provide deep insights into the nature of human motivation and the quest for fulfillment. 
In this exploration, we delve into some of his most memorable quotes, illustrating their enduring wisdom and relevance in understanding personal growth and motivation.

What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.

Image for Quote number 1 What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

One's only rival is one's own potentialities. One's only failure is failing to live up to one's own possibilities. In this sense, every man can be a king, and must therefore be treated like a king.

Image for Quote number 1 One's only rival is one's own potentialities. One's only failure is failing to live up to one's own possibilities. In this sense, every man can be a king, and must therefore be treated like a king. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 One's only rival is one's own potentialities. One's only failure is failing to live up to one's own possibilities. In this sense, every man can be a king, and must therefore be treated like a king. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

The science of psychology has been far more successful on the negative than on the positive side... It has revealed to us much about man's shortcomings, his illnesses, his sins, but little about his potentialities, his virtues, his achievable aspirations, or his psychological health.

Image for Quote number 1 The science of psychology has been far more successful on the negative than on the positive side... It has revealed to us much about man's shortcomings, his illnesses, his sins, but little about his potentialities, his virtues, his achievable aspirations, or his psychological health. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 The science of psychology has been far more successful on the negative than on the positive side... It has revealed to us much about man's shortcomings, his illnesses, his sins, but little about his potentialities, his virtues, his achievable aspirations, or his psychological health. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Dispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth.

Image for Quote number 1 Dispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Dispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

But behavior in the human being is sometimes a defense, a way of concealing motives and thoughts, as language can be a way of hiding your thoughts and preventing communication.

Image for Quote number 1 But behavior in the human being is sometimes a defense, a way of concealing motives and thoughts, as language can be a way of hiding your thoughts and preventing communication. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 But behavior in the human being is sometimes a defense, a way of concealing motives and thoughts, as language can be a way of hiding your thoughts and preventing communication. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Classic economic theory, based as it is on an inadequate theory of human motivation, could be revolutionized by accepting the reality of higher human needs, including the impulse to self actualization and the love for the highest values.

Image for Quote number 1 Classic economic theory, based as it is on an inadequate theory of human motivation, could be revolutionized by accepting the reality of higher human needs, including the impulse to self actualization and the love for the highest values. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Classic economic theory, based as it is on an inadequate theory of human motivation, could be revolutionized by accepting the reality of higher human needs, including the impulse to self actualization and the love for the highest values. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

All the evidence that we have indicates that it is reasonable to assume in practically every human being, and certainly in almost every newborn baby, that there is an active will toward health, an impulse towards growth, or towards the actualization.

Image for Quote number 1 All the evidence that we have indicates that it is reasonable to assume in practically every human being, and certainly in almost every newborn baby, that there is an active will toward health, an impulse towards growth, or towards the actualization. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 All the evidence that we have indicates that it is reasonable to assume in practically every human being, and certainly in almost every newborn baby, that there is an active will toward health, an impulse towards growth, or towards the actualization. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Rioting is a childish way of trying to be a man, but it takes time to rise out of the hell of hatred and frustration and accept that to be a man you don't have to riot.

Image for Quote number 1 Rioting is a childish way of trying to be a man, but it takes time to rise out of the hell of hatred and frustration and accept that to be a man you don't have to riot. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Rioting is a childish way of trying to be a man, but it takes time to rise out of the hell of hatred and frustration and accept that to be a man you don't have to riot. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

We may define therapy as a search for value.

Image for Quote number 1 We may define therapy as a search for value. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 We may define therapy as a search for value. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Marriage is a school itself. Also, having children. Becoming a father changed my whole life. It taught me as if by revelation.

Image for Quote number 1 Marriage is a school itself. Also, having children. Becoming a father changed my whole life. It taught me as if by revelation. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Marriage is a school itself. Also, having children. Becoming a father changed my whole life. It taught me as if by revelation. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.

Image for Quote number 1 If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization.

Image for Quote number 1 What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.

Image for Quote number 1 The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.

Image for Quote number 1 A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

If you think only of evil, then you become pessimistic and hopeless like Freud. But if you think there is no evil, then you're just one more deluded Pollyanna.

Image for Quote number 1 If you think only of evil, then you become pessimistic and hopeless like Freud. But if you think there is no evil, then you're just one more deluded Pollyanna. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 If you think only of evil, then you become pessimistic and hopeless like Freud. But if you think there is no evil, then you're just one more deluded Pollyanna. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

With a tree, all the growth takes place at the growing tips. Humanity is exactly the same. All the growth takes place in the growing tip: among that one percent of the population. It's made up of pioneers, the beginners. That's where the action is.

Image for Quote number 1 With a tree, all the growth takes place at the growing tips. Humanity is exactly the same. All the growth takes place in the growing tip: among that one percent of the population. It's made up of pioneers, the beginners. That's where the action is. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 With a tree, all the growth takes place at the growing tips. Humanity is exactly the same. All the growth takes place in the growing tip: among that one percent of the population. It's made up of pioneers, the beginners. That's where the action is. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

If I were dropped out of a plane into the ocean and told the nearest land was a thousand miles away, I'd still swim. And I'd despise the one who gave up.

Image for Quote number 1 If I were dropped out of a plane into the ocean and told the nearest land was a thousand miles away, I'd still swim. And I'd despise the one who gave up. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 If I were dropped out of a plane into the ocean and told the nearest land was a thousand miles away, I'd still swim. And I'd despise the one who gave up. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Good psychology should include all the methodological techniques, without having loyalty to one method, one idea, or one person.

Image for Quote number 1 Good psychology should include all the methodological techniques, without having loyalty to one method, one idea, or one person. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Good psychology should include all the methodological techniques, without having loyalty to one method, one idea, or one person. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

I'm someone who likes plowing new ground, then walking away from it. I get bored easily. For me, the big thrill comes with the discovering.

Image for Quote number 1 I'm someone who likes plowing new ground, then walking away from it. I get bored easily. For me, the big thrill comes with the discovering. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 I'm someone who likes plowing new ground, then walking away from it. I get bored easily. For me, the big thrill comes with the discovering. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Work is that which you dislike doing but perform for the sake of external rewards. At school, this takes the form of grades. In society, it means money, status, privilege.

Image for Quote number 1 Work is that which you dislike doing but perform for the sake of external rewards. At school, this takes the form of grades. In society, it means money, status, privilege. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Work is that which you dislike doing but perform for the sake of external rewards. At school, this takes the form of grades. In society, it means money, status, privilege. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

If I were a Negro, I'd be fighting, as Martin Luther King fought, for human recognition and justice. I'd rather go down with my flag flying. If you're weak or crippled, or you can't speak out or fight back in some way, then people don't hesitate to treat you badly.

Image for Quote number 1 If I were a Negro, I'd be fighting, as Martin Luther King fought, for human recognition and justice. I'd rather go down with my flag flying. If you're weak or crippled, or you can't speak out or fight back in some way, then people don't hesitate to treat you badly. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 If I were a Negro, I'd be fighting, as Martin Luther King fought, for human recognition and justice. I'd rather go down with my flag flying. If you're weak or crippled, or you can't speak out or fight back in some way, then people don't hesitate to treat you badly. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

With my childhood, it's a wonder I'm not psychotic. I was the little Jewish boy in the non-Jewish neighborhood. It was a little like being the first Negro enrolled in the all-white school. I grew up in libraries and among books, without friends.

Image for Quote number 1 With my childhood, it's a wonder I'm not psychotic. I was the little Jewish boy in the non-Jewish neighborhood. It was a little like being the first Negro enrolled in the all-white school. I grew up in libraries and among books, without friends. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 With my childhood, it's a wonder I'm not psychotic. I was the little Jewish boy in the non-Jewish neighborhood. It was a little like being the first Negro enrolled in the all-white school. I grew up in libraries and among books, without friends. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.

Image for Quote number 1 The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.

Image for Quote number 1 If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

The fact is that people are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior.

Image for Quote number 1 The fact is that people are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 The fact is that people are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.

Image for Quote number 1 A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Education can become a self-fulfilling activity, liberating in and of itself.

Image for Quote number 1 Education can become a self-fulfilling activity, liberating in and of itself. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Education can become a self-fulfilling activity, liberating in and of itself. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

We fear to know the fearsome and unsavory aspects of ourselves, but we fear even more to know the godlike in ourselves.

Image for Quote number 1 We fear to know the fearsome and unsavory aspects of ourselves, but we fear even more to know the godlike in ourselves. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 We fear to know the fearsome and unsavory aspects of ourselves, but we fear even more to know the godlike in ourselves. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Being a full human being is difficult, frightening, and problematical.

Image for Quote number 1 Being a full human being is difficult, frightening, and problematical. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Being a full human being is difficult, frightening, and problematical. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

It is as necessary for man to live in beauty rather than ugliness as it is necessary for him to have food for an aching belly or rest for a weary body.

Image for Quote number 1 It is as necessary for man to live in beauty rather than ugliness as it is necessary for him to have food for an aching belly or rest for a weary body. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 It is as necessary for man to live in beauty rather than ugliness as it is necessary for him to have food for an aching belly or rest for a weary body. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Human nature is not nearly as bad as it has been thought to be.

Image for Quote number 1 Human nature is not nearly as bad as it has been thought to be. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 Human nature is not nearly as bad as it has been thought to be. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

What we need is a system of thought - you might even call it a religion - that can bind humans together. A system that would fit the Republic of Chad as well as the United States: a system that would supply our idealistic young people with something to believe in.

Image for Quote number 1 What we need is a system of thought - you might even call it a religion - that can bind humans together. A system that would fit the Republic of Chad as well as the United States: a system that would supply our idealistic young people with something to believe in. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 What we need is a system of thought - you might even call it a religion - that can bind humans together. A system that would fit the Republic of Chad as well as the United States: a system that would supply our idealistic young people with something to believe in. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

I was awfully curious to find out why I didn't go insane.

Image for Quote number 1 I was awfully curious to find out why I didn't go insane. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 I was awfully curious to find out why I didn't go insane. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

You can see neurosis from below - as a sickness - as most psychiatrists see it. Or you can understand it as a compassionate man might: respecting the neurosis as a fumbling and inefficient effort toward good ends.

Image for Quote number 1 You can see neurosis from below - as a sickness - as most psychiatrists see it. Or you can understand it as a compassionate man might: respecting the neurosis as a fumbling and inefficient effort toward good ends. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quoteImage for Quote number 2 You can see neurosis from below - as a sickness - as most psychiatrists see it. Or you can understand it as a compassionate man might: respecting the neurosis as a fumbling and inefficient effort toward good ends. of author Abraham Maslow about topic abraham maslow quote

Abraham Maslow's quotes not only reflect his philosophy on psychology but also serve as profound inspirations for many in their personal and professional growth journeys. These words teach us to embrace the journey of continuous advancement, despite the challenges we might face.