Abraham Maslow, a prominent figure in humanistic psychology, developed a theory centered on self-actualization, which he placed at the top of his hierarchy of needs. According to Maslow, self-actualization represents achieving one's full potential and is a rare accomplishment attained by approximately 2% of the population. Maslow identified notable historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller, and Martin Luther King Jr. as examples of self-actualized individuals. These individuals exhibited creativity, spontaneity, and self-acceptance, with a strong focus on intellectual pursuits and real-world challenges, often preferring deep, meaningful relationships over superficial ones.

Maslow described self-actualized individuals as confident yet humble, able to face life's difficulties with authenticity and resilience. They frequently demonstrated independence in their thoughts and actions, willing to express unpopular opinions when necessary. A defining feature of self-actualized individuals is their capacity for peak experiences — intense moments of joy and a profound connection to the world.

In his model, Maslow highlighted that self-actualized individuals possess a childlike sense of wonder and prioritize higher goals to benefit the greater good. While Maslow's original list of self-actualized individuals predominantly featured Western figures of European descent, more contemporary figures such as the Dalai Lama and Malala Yousafzai could be added, as they exemplify the characteristics of self-actualization through their significant societal contributions.

Although Maslow's theory of self-actualization remains influential, his emphasis on historical figures from specific cultural contexts reflects certain biases. Despite this, his model remains a foundational concept in humanistic psychology, highlighting the potential for personal growth and the pursuit of fulfillment.