The idea of the pyramid is that one must satisfy lower level basic needs in order to progress onto the next level of needs. Maslow studied some people who he believed were 'self-actualised' therefore, they would be on top of this pyramid. He found that they had particular characteristics which were similar between them all who were studied. 'Although we are all, theoretically, capable of self-actualising, most of us will not do so, or only to a limited degree. Maslow was particularly interested in the characteristics of people whom he considered to have achieved their potential as persons. By studying people he considered to be self-actualised (including Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein), Maslow identified 15 characteristics of a self-actualised person.' These characteristics include:
- They perceive really efficiently and can tolerate uncertainty
- Accept themselves and others for what they are
- Spontaneous in thought and action
- Problem-centered (not self-centered)
- Unusual sense of humor
- Able to look at life objectively
- Highly creative
- Resistant to enculturation, but not purposely unconventional
- Concerned for the welfare of humanity
- Capable of deep appreciation of basic life-experience
- Establish deep satisfying interpersonal relationships with a few people
- Peak experiences
- Need for privacy
- Democratic attitudes
- Strong moral/ethical standards
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