WHY SELF-ACTUALIZATION IS NOT THE HIGHEST HUMAN GOOD: AN IGBO ONTOLOGICAL CRITIQUE OF MASLOW’S PYRAMID

Abstract

This research critically interrogates the widespread assumption within humanistic psychology that self-actualization represents the highest human good. The problem addressed is that Abraham Maslow’s hierarchical model of human needs elevates self-actualization as the ultimate goal of human motivation, thereby reducing the highest form of human fulfilment to an individual psychological achievement. This research is anchored on methods of critical analysis and comparative hermeneutics. The research examines Maslow’s conception of self-actualization in dialogue with Igbo ontology of personhood, particularly the metaphysical roles of mmadu (person), onwe (selfhood), chi (destiny), moral becoming, and communal responsibility. The findings reveal that while self-actualization explains creativity, autonomy, and personal growth, it remains insufficient as the highest human good because it lacks ontological grounding and marginalizes destiny, moral obligation, and communal fulfilment. The research concludes that Igbo philosophy re-conceives the highest human good not as self-actualization but as ontological fulfilment achieved through alignment of being, destiny, moral responsibility, and community. It offers a culturally grounded critique and reconstruction of Maslow’s pyramid.