Descriptively, we can see in each person his own (weak)…
![“Descriptively, we can see in each person his own (weak) tendencies to grow toward self-actualization; and also descriptively, we can see his various (weak) tendencies toward regressing (out of fear, hostility, or laziness). [...] if a person could himself see all the likely consequences of growth…” quote by Abraham H. Maslow](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/922/abraham-h-maslow-40250_free-choice_descriptively-we-can-see-in-each-person_2086675.jpg)
““Descriptively, we can see in each person his own (weak) tendencies to grow toward self-actualization; and also descriptively, we can see his various (weak) tendencies toward regressing (out of fear, hostility, or laziness). [...] if a person could himself see all the likely consequences of growth and all the likely consequences of coasting or of regression, and if he were allowed to choose between them, he would always (in principle, and under 'good conditions') choose the consequences of growth and reject the consequences of regression. That is, the more one knows of the actual consequences of growth-choices and regression-choices, the more attractive become the growth-choices to practically any human being. And these are the actual choices he is prone to make if conditions are good, i.e., if he is allowed truly free choice so that his organism can express its own nature.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Knowing the real outcomes of growth versus stagnation makes growth choices more appealing, especially when free choice is possible.
In simple terms: Understanding consequences drives people toward growth.
Key Takeaway
Provide clear information about outcomes.
Themes
self‑actualization
choice
consequence
motivation
human nature
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- education
- personal therapy
- policy design
- health interventions
Key Concepts
psychology
free will
developmental theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does awareness of consequences affect decision making?
- What environments best support free choice?
A Different Perspective
If conditions restrict true freedom, knowledge alone may not lead to growth.