Abraham
Maslow

Abraham Maslow, born on April 1, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prominent American psychologist known for his contributions to the field of humanistic psychology and his development of the hierarchy of needs theory. Maslow's early life was marked by financial hardship and familial struggles, which shaped his interest in understanding human motivation and behavior. He pursued higher education at the City College of New York and later earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin.

Maslow's most famous contribution to psychology is his theory of the hierarchy of needs, outlined in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation" and further elaborated in his 1954 book "Motivation and Personality." According to Maslow, human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, with basic physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter forming the foundation, followed by safety, love and belonging, esteem, and finally, self-actualization—a state of personal fulfillment and realization of one's potential. Maslow's theory revolutionized the field of psychology by emphasizing the importance of human agency, self-actualization, and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment. His humanistic approach contrasted with the prevailing behaviorist and psychoanalytic perspectives of his time, placing a greater emphasis on the positive aspects of human nature and the innate drive towards self-improvement. Maslow's work continues to influence psychology, education, business, and various other fields, shaping our understanding of human motivation and well-being.