“Human nature is not nearly as bad as it has been thought to be.”
- April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970
- American
- Psychologist, Creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Humanistic Psychology Pioneer
table of contents
Quote
“Human nature is not nearly as bad as it has been thought to be.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Maslow challenges the long-standing pessimistic view of human nature, which has often portrayed people as fundamentally selfish, aggressive, or morally flawed. Instead, Maslow argues for a more balanced and hopeful understanding, based on his psychological research and personal observations. He believed that given the right conditions—such as safety, love, and opportunity—humans naturally move toward growth, kindness, and fulfillment. His view stands in contrast to traditional doctrines, both religious and psychological, that emphasized sin, repression, or pathology.
Maslow’s perspective was shaped by his development of humanistic psychology, which placed emphasis on health, potential, and the positive capacities of people. Through his study of self-actualizing individuals, he observed that humans are not inherently destructive or evil, but rather possess deep potential for creativity, empathy, and transcendence. While he did not ignore the existence of violence or dysfunction, he saw these as products of unmet needs or environmental failures, not as the true essence of human nature.
In modern discourse, Maslow’s quote resonates in efforts to reform education, criminal justice, and social policy, where understanding the inherent dignity and capacity for good in people leads to more compassionate and effective systems. Whether in rehabilitation programs or trauma-informed care, this more generous view of humanity encourages us to focus not on what is broken, but on what can be cultivated and healed. Maslow reminds us that hope and trust in human potential are not naïve—they are evidence-based and transformative.
Would you like to share your impressions or related stories about this quote in the comments section?
