“The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.”
- April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970
- American
- Psychologist, Creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Humanistic Psychology Pioneer
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Quote
“The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Maslow offers a poignant summary of the human condition as he saw it: not one of failure by limitation, but of failure by self-limitation. He believed that most people do not come close to realizing their true potential, not because they lack ability, but because they lack belief, opportunity, or courage. To “sell oneself short” means to accept less than what one is capable of, to live beneath one’s possibilities. For Maslow, this was not just an individual tragedy—it was a collective one.
This idea stems from his theory of self-actualization, the peak of his hierarchy of needs, where individuals strive to become their fullest, most authentic selves. He observed that societal pressures, fear of failure, and internalized doubt often keep people from reaching this level. Maslow called this the “Jonah Complex”—the fear of one’s own greatness. Rather than striving for excellence or meaning, many settle for safety and conformity, thereby betraying their deeper potential.
In today’s world, this quote resonates in settings from education and work to personal growth and leadership. Whether it’s a gifted student who suppresses their talent, a leader who avoids bold action, or an artist who never creates, the tendency to underestimate ourselves is widespread. Maslow’s message is both a warning and a call to action: humanity’s greatest failure is not reaching too high and falling, but reaching too low and succeeding.
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