The instinct for self-actualization

December 15, 2021 0 Comments

Every human being has an innate drive for self-realization. At its most basic level, self-realization manifests itself in the desire to reproduce and ensure the survival of the offspring. All living beings share the instinct of reproduction since, in its absence, they could not have continuity. However, the reproduction instinct is only a fundamental element within the complete Self-Realization Instinct (SRI).

For example, it is the breeding instinct that drives ocean-swimming salmon fish to take the difficult, exhausting and dangerous swim upstream of the river, to reach their birthplace where they spawn and fertilize their eggs. They protect the eggs as well as possible and then they die. It is this instinct that sometimes forces animals to risk or sacrifice their lives for their future generation.

Among human beings, the SRI has expanded to include more manifestations: the desire to make a mark on the world, the desire to stand out or be different in any way, the desire to achieve, the search for purpose, meaning or a reason for being. be and more. Self-actualization is also evident in adhering to and adopting beliefs and ideologies, which can sometimes be bizarre or extreme. Actually, any action aimed at filling a void or any void is included in the definition of self-actualization, such as work, exposure to positive or negative stimuli, study, research, satisfaction of curiosity, sports, hobbies, satisfaction of needs and even entertainment. . . Any action that satisfies us or makes us happy is included in the definition of self-actualization.

SRI actually overlaps with survival instinct to some degree. However, it is a separate and independent instinct that can often conflict with the survival instinct. Both instincts originate from the same trunk, and at some point the SRI branches out and stands on its own. We can learn about the intensity and independence of the SRI from those fanatics who, for a cause that seems sublime to them, are willing to join extremist organizations and even sacrifice their lives. For them, committing suicide for a cause that justifies their beliefs is the supreme form of self-realization. This example shows that the SRI can even overpower the survival instinct.

Self-realization and happiness

Successful progress toward self-actualization lifts your mood and fights depression. Since the goal of this instinct is the achievement of happiness, the SRI can be interchangeable with the pursuit of happiness. The more significant and important the act performed towards self-realization, the greater the satisfaction and happiness we get from it, if it is successful.

A person in the midst of an important process of self-realization has a higher level of resistance and ability to bear pain. This is exemplified by the monks and fakirs, who abstain from the pleasures of life by following their beliefs and expressing their uniqueness. A person with a serious illness or disability can be happy when they do something important for self-fulfillment and the activity itself could prolong their life. People suffering from terminal illnesses suffer less if they engage in some activity that leads them to complete a meaningful self-realization process, such as a research project, doctoral thesis or any other activity that leaves a mark.

In his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Viktor Frankl describes the lives of concentration camp prisoners who are exploited as cheap labor, in dire conditions until they die. Viktor Frankl concludes that man’s main desire is to satisfy the meaning of life and implement his inner values ​​and that if he is able to find meaning and perception, he will also solve part of his emotional anguish. Apparently, even in the most dire conditions, SRI prevails and its activation could alleviate suffering somewhat.

Damaging the self-actualization process could lead to depression. This process is affected when a person fails to achieve his individual goals, or alternatively if he has no objectives or purpose, or if those objectives have become insignificant to him, or if he feels that the goals before him are beyond his capacity. In the eyes of a person who has lost interest in life, all goals seem useless and meaningless and he considers them mere tasks to be completed and not means to self-realization.

The vast majority of human beings consider childbirth and raising a child to be the highest expression of self-realization. Therefore, it is difficult to understand women with postpartum depression. This form of depression could be explained because they may consider childbirth and parenting too big a task for them and beyond their capabilities.

The instinct for self-actualization and evolution

SRI, in its most basic form, that is, the urge to reproduce, must have been generated along with the creation of life. The mere creation of life without the primal urge to reproduce would not have allowed evolution to occur. The need to constantly reproduce, develop and improve is the foundation of SRI. When we succeed in any activity that results in self-realization, we get happiness, and conversely, when we fail, we become depressed. Thus, the instinct for self-actualization becomes a driving and urgent force that propels us through the carrot and stick method. The instinct for self-actualization is therefore the hidden driving force of evolution, which led species to continually develop and improve. It is that instinct that has brought humanity to its present level and continues to propel it forward. We are all programmed to live towards happiness and development, even if it involves wars, injustice and dishonesty. At the end of the day, progress prevails.

The very creation of life is a mysterious wonder. The fact that SRI was created simultaneously further increases the intensity of this wonder. Another question to ask is whether such a double wonder could have created itself or if some clever design is behind it.

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