Remembering Maslow: Reflections on a 1968 Interview

Abstract

Five selections from an interview with Abraham Maslow are presented here. These five excerpts, each introduced with commentary by the author, include such topics as Maslow’s early experiences in psychology, his problems with timidity and isolation, the inspiration for his concept of self-actualization, and his gradual withdrawal from many of life’s pleasures to devote more time to his work. Also discussed are the difficult theoretical problems he faced following his discovery that many individuals do not move automatically into the sphere of self-actualization after all other needs have been gratified. The final selection presents Maslow’s views on the development of third-force psychology and its future. Finally, a coda is presented, giving attention to the vastly different psychological and social realities that have evolved since 1968, when the interview was held. The implications of these changing realities are discussed as they relate to humanistic psychology and its future.