Abraham H. Maslow (1908–1970)

This foundational 1943 paper about human motivation and work deserves to be read in its original form, accessible here. Many textbooks provide a good summary of AH Maslow’s theory of human motivation around needs, but Maslow’s original work describes a more complex picture than the original. For example, he does not describe a linear progression as lower needs become met. Instead, he paints a picture where multiple motivations often play off each other, where higher motives mingle with show more lower motives.

This book is a short reprint of the original, seminal journal publication. Unfortunately, it has not been reformatted in any way, and the text is small. It really should be re-typed (or perhaps, scanned and edited) if the publishing contract would allow. The words are worth reading, and the original text should remain accessible for students in generations to come. I just wish the reading process of the physical product was more pleasurable.

Those in the working world – particularly those who teach or train, supervise, or aspire to supervise – can benefit from reading Maslow firsthand. It will provide concise understanding into human behavior, particularly around work, to a degree that few other texts can. That insight, in turn, can lead to wiser decisions and a more productive cadre of workers. This short text frankly contains worth far more value than any more accessible popular books on the same topic. All it takes is about one hour to read, but a lifetime to ponder. show less

The first third of the book Maslow rails against organized "big R" religion. He is overly-extreme in his criticisms (Maslow admits as much in the preface) and I almost gave up on the book because of it. Good thing I didn't, as his studies on peak-experiences and the peakers who have them is fascinating.

Better than every self-help book at which I've ever looked, but, after the first Part, still not great. To warrant its thesis it relies upon claims developed less than rigorously, where it doesn't simply employ "common sense" uncritically. And the thesis has proven to be more than a little naïve. But the clarity of the writing is remarkable, especially in comparison to the social sciences today; and the first Part, wherein he develops his model of obstacles to personal development, is, if show more not accurate, at least something that I found useful for practical self-reflective purposes. show less

Difficult to get through because of the density of information and involved concepts it dealt with, but extremely rewarding and insightful. I came away with a better understanding of humanistic psychology, myself, and humanity in general. It's a shame that Maslow's often reduced to "the hierarchy of needs guy," because even though that little pyramid is symbolic of his theories, he had a lot more really amazing things to say.