It looks as if there were a single ultimate goal for mankind, a far goal toward which all persons strive. This is called variously by different authors self-actualization, self-realization, integration, psychological health, individuation, autonomy, creativity, productivity, but they all agree that this amounts to realizing the potentialities of the person, that is to say, becoming fully human, everything that person can be.

No psychological health is possible unless this essential care of the person is fundamentally accepted, loved and respected by others and by himself.

Life is an ongoing process of choosing between safety (out of fear and need for defense) and risk (for the sake of progress and growth). Make the growth choice a dozen times a day.

Human nature has been sold short...[humans have] a higher nature which...includes the need for meaningful work, for responsibility, for creativeness, for being fair and just, for doing what is worthwhile and for preferring to do it well.

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

What is life for? Life is for you.

The loss of illusions and the discovery of identity, though painful at first, can be ultimately exhilarating and strengthening.