Motivation And Self Transcendence

1 Motivation and Self-Transcendence A Tract Book Essay By Anthony J. Fejfar, J.D., Esq., Coif © Copyright 2007 by Anthony J. Fejfar Abraham Maslow, in his work on management and work motivation, states that the highest level of motivation is that of “Self-Actualization.”

I, on the other hand, argue that

the highest level of motivation is that of Self-Transcendence. In his Book, “Motivation and Personality,” Abraham Maslow describes the levels of motivation that humans have based on human needs: 1.

Physiological Needs

2.

Safety Needs

3.

Belongingness Needs

4.

Esteem Needs

5.

Self-Actualization Needs

Thus, the most basic need for a human being is food, clothing, shelter, etc. Next, is the need to be safe from attack or natural disaster. Next, is the need to belong. Next is the need to have self-esteem, or to feel good or positive about what one has accomplished. Finally, there is the need to self-actualize. The need to self-actualize is the need to actualize meaningful projects in one’s life. But, I argue there is at least one more level of Need, and Motivation, that is, SelfTranscendence.

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Thus, the scale of needs is as follows:

1. Physiological Safety Needs 2. Belongingness Needs 3. Esteem Needs 4. Self-Actualization Needs 5. The Need for Self-Transcendence Jesuit Philosopher Bernard Lonergan argues in his work that humans have a need for SelfTranscendence. This means that one must move beyond the ego to the Self, and, then, Transcend with the Self. The Self is the Spiritual aspect of the person. Thus, Selftranscendence means that one transcends the ego with the Self and chooses higher Spiritual Values. I argue that this, level, Self-Transcendence, is the Highest Level of Human Motivation, and that Maslow’s work needs to be revised.

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