Skip to content

Health Quote by Abraham Maslow

“The science of psychology has been far more successful on the negative than on the positive side... It has revealed to us much about man's shortcomings, his illnesses, his sins, but little about his potentialities, his virtues, his achievable aspirations, or his psychological health.” quote by Abraham Maslow
Download Open image
“The science of psychology has been far more successful on the negative than on the positive side... It has revealed to us much about man's shortcomings, his illnesses, his sins, but little about his potentialities, his virtues, his achievable aspirations, or his psychological health.”

Abraham Maslow

About This Quote

Source Book: The Psychology of Self‑Actualization, 1954

Psychology focuses on flaws rather than strengths, limiting understanding of human potential.

In simple terms: Science studies problems more than strengths.

Key Takeaway

Balance research on positives and negatives.

Themes

potential psychology balance growth

Mood

analytical hopeful

Type

theoretical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education curricula
  • therapy approaches
  • workplace development

Key Concepts

Humanistic psychology strengths‑based well‑being

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we study human strengths?
  • What would a strengths‑focused therapy look like?
A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis on pathology can demotivate people.

2.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Abraham Maslow

Explore all 182 Abraham Maslow quotes

More Health quotes

Browse all 17,127 Health quotes