“The fact is that people are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior.”
- April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970
- American
- Psychologist, Creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Humanistic Psychology Pioneer
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Quote
“The fact is that people are good, Give people affection and security, and they will give affection and be secure in their feelings and their behavior.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Maslow expresses a foundational belief in the inherent goodness of human beings, especially when they are nurtured in environments that provide emotional safety and love. He suggests that negative behaviors are often not the result of innate evil or moral failure, but rather the consequences of unmet emotional needs. When people are given affection, security, and acceptance, they are more likely to develop emotional stability, kindness, and prosocial behavior.
This perspective is deeply embedded in Maslow’s humanistic psychology, which views individuals as capable of growth, healing, and moral development—if their fundamental needs are met. His theory proposes that before people can reach self-actualization, they must have their lower-tier needs—such as safety, belonging, and esteem—adequately fulfilled. According to Maslow, mental illness, aggression, or social withdrawal often stem from deprivation, not from an inherently flawed nature.
In today’s context, this quote supports philosophies in education, social work, parenting, and restorative justice, where the emphasis is placed on creating supportive environments rather than imposing punitive measures. For example, trauma-informed care and positive discipline models rely on the principle that nurturing relationships foster healing and responsible behavior. Maslow’s message remains profoundly relevant: people thrive when treated with dignity and love—and in turn, they reflect that goodness outward.
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