Becoming a better person Quote by Abraham H. Maslow
““The empirical fact is that self-actualizing people, our best experiencers, are also our most compassionate, our great improvers and reformers of society, our most effective fighters against injustice, inequality, slavery, cruelty, exploitation (and also are best fighters for excellence, effectiveness, competence). And it also becomes clearer and clearer that our best 'helpers' are the most fully human persons. What I may call the bodhisattvic path is an integration of self-improvement and social zeal, i.e., the best way to become a better 'helper' is to become a better person. But one necessary aspect of becoming a better person is via helping other people. So one must and can do both simultaneously.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Human Motivation and Self‑Actualization, Abraham H. Maslow, 1971
People who strive for personal growth also tend to act compassionately and fight injustice, linking self‑improvement with social service.
In simple terms: Better selves help others.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate personal growth while serving society.
Themes
self‑actualization
compassion
social justice
personal development
humanism
Mood
inspirational
hopeful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- community volunteering
- mentoring
- activism
- personal reflection
- education programs
Key Concepts
psychology
ethical leadership
bodhisattva ideal
Questions to Reflect On
- How can personal growth translate into effective social change?
- What obstacles hinder compassionate action?
A Different Perspective
Self‑improvement alone may ignore systemic barriers that limit impact.
![“Shortsighted people make [experientialism and social reform] opposites, mutually exclusive. [...] The empirical fact is that self-actualizing people, our best experiencers, are also our most compassionate, our great improvers and reformers of society, our most effective fighters against injustice…” quote by Abraham H. Maslow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6b3/abraham-h-maslow-40250_better-person_shortsighted-people-make-experientialism_2553155.jpg)
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![“The question of desirable grief and pain or the necessity for it must also be faced. [Are] growth and self-fulfillment possible at all without pain and grief and sorrow and turmoil? If grief and pain are sometimes necessary for growth of the person, then we must learn not to protect people from…” quote by Abraham H. Maslow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d26/abraham-h-maslow-40250_death_the-question-of-desirable-grief-and-pain_2170879.jpg)
