Pessimism and Self-Actualisation
Maslow defined self-actualization to be “the desire for self-fulfilment, namely the tendency for him [the individual] to become actualized in his potentially. This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming.” — Maslow (1943) Psychological Review 50, pp. 370–396.A Theory of Human Motivation
Characteristics of a Self-Actualiser:
- Efficient perceptions of reality. Self-Actualisers can judge situations correctly and honestly. They are very sensitive to the fake and dishonest, and are free to see reality ‘as it is’.
- Comfortable acceptance of self, others and nature. Self-Actualisers accept their human nature with all its flaws. The shortcomings of others and the contradictions of the human condition are accepted with humour and tolerance.
- Reliant on own experiences and judgement. Independent, not reliant on culture and environment to form opinions and views.
- Spontaneous and natural. True to oneself, rather than being how others want.
- Task centring. Most of Maslow’s subjects had a mission to fulfil in life or some task or problem ‘beyond’ themselves (instead of outside themselves) to pursue.
- Autonomy. Self-Actualisers are free from reliance on external authorities or other people. They tend to be resourceful and independent.
- Comfort with solitude. Despite their satisfying relationships with others, self-actualizing people value solitude and are comfortable being alone.
- Non-hostile sense of humour. This refers to the ability to laugh at oneself.
- Socially compassionate. Possessing humanity.
- Few friends. Few close intimate friends rather than many superficial relationships.
Why is Pessimism necessary?
This can be linked back to our survival instincts developed from evolution. A sense of fear helps us survive. Our reasons to thrive and progress comes from our fear of extinction and more importantly, irrelevance to future generations. A realist judges events as it happens and when taking this perspective to its logical conclusion will result in a lack of preparation and a sense of confusion for future events. In the dictionary, a realist is someone who “accepts a situation as it is and is prepared to deal with it accordingly”. Well, it’s very hard to deal with death and the burden it brings to others if you’re dead. This is why we toil and work. Pessimism, when taken to its logical conclusion, helps you see the meaning in your suffering. Understanding the possibilities of the worst outcomes drives you to become better, while optimism hangs on the generosity of fortune.
The Standard definition of pessimism is “a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen”. Seeing or believing that the worst will happen can give you a sense of calm by taking the bite out of what the future has in store for you. This attitude can also generate a sense of gratitude for every moment of peace and happiness that passes by. It allows you to connect with others on a deeper level by recognising the worst aspects of oneself and others and seeking common ground.
The necessity of pessimism within self-actualisation arises through its call for action. Often we see optimism and positivity as a source of motivation but one runs faster when running away from something than running towards something, unless if that thing is something he’s afraid to lose. Using pessimism as an absolute and understanding that it is survivable only through action allows you to centre yourself on one task, that is namely, to live your life to the fullest. The effort that you bring to life is more important than the length of life or the happiness experienced.
