Strategy consultant
Executive Advisor
Writer + Former UN Journalist
Salima Yacoubi Soussane
Mar 17, 2023
Success is often portrayed as the accumulation of wealth, power, and accolades, a relentless pursuit of individual achievement that blinds us to the impact of our actions on others and the planet. But what if we were to redefine success, shifting our focus from self-serving ambition to a deeper sense of purpose? What if true success lies not in our personal gains but in the positive impact we leave on the lives of others and the world? In this essay, we will explore the essence of my groundbreaking book, "Success for Good: Performance with Purpose," which challenges conventional notions of success and presents a new paradigm for achieving greatness.
What happens after Self-Actualization?
Throughout history, the quest for human fulfillment has taken various forms, often rooted in the pursuit of meeting basic needs for survival, security, and belonging. Maslow's hierarchy of needs, with its iconic pyramid structure, has been a guiding framework to understand these fundamental human motivations. As individuals and societies progress up the pyramid, fulfilling their material and social needs, they eventually arrive at the pinnacle of self-actualization. Yet, ancient wisdom and philosophies have long recognized that true fulfillment lies beyond the apex of Maslow's pyramid. The evolution of civilizations, through the lenses of ancient wisdom, Greek philosophies, and contemporary research, reveals the transformative journey from the pyramid to the circle – a quest for interconnectedness, oneness, and interdependence that brings profound self-fulfillment and collective well-being.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs posits that human motivation operates hierarchically, beginning with physiological needs like food and shelter, ascending through safety, love and belonging, esteem, and culminating in self-actualization. According to Maslow, self-actualization is the pinnacle of human growth, representing the realization of one's full potential and personal fulfillment. However, ancient wisdom and philosophies challenge this notion, suggesting that self-actualization is not the final destination but a gateway to a more profound dimension of human experience.
Greek philosophies offer valuable insights into the highest positive values that transcend self-actualization. Aristotle, in his exploration of eudaimonia, emphasized that true happiness and well-being stem from living a life of virtue, excellence, and moral character. This concept transcends individual desires and material needs, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the greater good of society and flourishing as interconnected beings. Aristotle's notion of the common good is deeply aligned with the idea of the circle around the pyramid – an interconnected web of human relationships and mutual dependencies that culminate in collective well-being and self-fulfillment.
Similarly, Stoicism, another ancient Greek philosophy, advocates for a profound shift in perspective – from the self-focused pursuit of individual desires to embracing the interconnectedness of all things. As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus wrote, "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." Stoicism encourages individuals to recognize their place within the broader fabric of existence, leading to a sense of oneness and interdependence with the world. This perspective fosters a deep sense of gratitude and contentment, elevating human fulfillment beyond the confines of the pyramid's apex.
In Eastern philosophies, particularly in Taoism, the concept of interconnectedness is beautifully encapsulated by the notion of the Tao – the fundamental principle that underlies and connects all things in the universe. Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher, observed, "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." This wisdom reminds us that the natural world operates in harmony, without striving or imposing its will, reflecting an inherent interconnectedness. By aligning with the flow of the Tao, individuals can achieve a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose that goes beyond individual ambitions and pursuits.
The journey from the pyramid to the circle is not only a philosophical notion but also supported by contemporary research in behavioral psychology and sociology. Studies have consistently shown that experiences of interconnectedness and a sense of belonging to a community are crucial factors for human well-being and self-fulfillment.
In the work of positive psychologist Martin Seligman, the concept of "positive institutions" emphasizes the importance of fostering communities and organizations that promote collective well-being. Such institutions go beyond individual satisfaction and prioritize the fulfillment of a shared purpose, resulting in more resilient and flourishing societies.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow himself, later in his life, recognized the significance of interconnectedness and coined the term "transcendence" as an additional dimension beyond self-actualization in his hierarchy of needs. Transcendence refers to experiences that expand our sense of self to include others, nature, or a higher purpose. This extension of the pyramid's apex into the realm of interconnectedness echoes the wisdom of ancient philosophies and the journey to the circle.
Moreover, sociologist Émile Durkheim's research on collective consciousness highlights the social bonds that bind individuals together in a society. Durkheim argued that shared values and beliefs create a sense of solidarity and contribute to the collective well-being of communities. In embracing interconnectedness and interdependence, societies strengthen their social fabric, promoting self-fulfillment and a sense of purpose beyond individual needs.
The rise of globalization and digital interconnectedness in the contemporary world further accentuates the relevance of the circle around the pyramid. Technological advances have made the world more interconnected than ever before, blurring geographical boundaries and highlighting our shared human experiences. However, amidst this hyperconnected landscape, there is also a risk of isolation and disconnection. Therefore, embracing the wisdom of interconnectedness and interdependence becomes ever more crucial to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world.
In conclusion, the evolution of civilizations, when examined through the lenses of ancient wisdom, Greek philosophies, and contemporary research, reveals a profound shift from the pyramid to the circle – a journey from self-actualization to interconnectedness, oneness, and interdependence. While Maslow's hierarchy of needs offers valuable insights into human motivations, ancient wisdom reminds us that self-fulfillment transcends individual desires and material accomplishments.
Greek philosophies emphasize the pursuit of virtue, moral character, and the common good, leading to collective well-being and self-fulfillment. Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism, celebrate the interconnectedness of all things and the harmony that emerges from aligning with the flow of the universe. Contemporary research in behavioral psychology and sociology confirms the significance of interconnectedness in promoting human well-being and flourishing.
As we progress toward a more interconnected and globalized world, embracing the circle around the pyramid becomes an imperative for individuals and societies alike. By recognizing our interdependence and fostering a sense of belonging to a greater whole, we embark on a journey of profound self-fulfillment and collective thriving. In the words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." Embracing the wisdom of interconnectedness, we are invited to embrace the ever-changing currents of life, finding fulfillment in our shared humanity and the intricate connections that bind us together.