Frederick Douglass
Fredrick Douglass: The Self- Actualization of his Narrative Abraham Maslow created a hierarchy of needs to show how each individual changes throughout one's life. He believed that when man ascends to higher levels, their needs change and individuals can reach the highest level of self- actualization, provided they are given an education that promotes growth, (Gwynne). He began with physiological and security needs, then social and esteem needs, and finally self- actualization. Maslow uses these levels to show the life changes of Fredrick Douglass, a former slave. Douglass struggled throughout his life to find his need to be and do what he was "born to do," (Maslow). Fredrick Douglass's narrative reaches the self- actualization level in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs by exhibiting the highest level of characteristics of self- actualizers. Having a clear perception of reality and not being afraid of failure represent two of the many self-actualizers that Douglass possesses in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Douglass' reality consisted of hard work, physical abuse, and no pay as a slave; however, because Douglass realized this, he showed how slaves could achieve this self-actualization. Through this narrative, the reader exp
Furthermore, Douglass realized the new reality of his left. Not only did Douglass possess these characteristics, he also was independent and realized his full potential within certain times of his escape from slavery. I am glad to be able to say that, during my engagement in this foundry, no complaint was ever made against me that I did not do my work, and do it well. He understands that he cannot be worried in the free world. In conclusion, even though it might seem hard to overcome something, one must push forward and do their best no matter who or what stands in the way. Douglass showed these characteristics when he ran away from the slave states in search for a better life. The bellows which I worked by main strength was, after I left, moved by a steam engine. Without the many characteristics needed to reach the self-actualization level of the Hierarchy, Douglass would never have been able to come so far in the growth of this life to gain potential. Douglass states, "For the moment, the dreams of my youth and the hopes of my manhood were completely fulfilled. This quote states that he know that if it were not for all the people who had helped him escape, he would not have been able to get to New York without getting caught. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a difficult pyramid to climb, but with strong sense of self one can eventually achiever the task of self-actualization. Through this quote, Douglass shows that on the day of his freedom his "old master" could no longer restrict him from becoming a self-actualized man. Although slavery was long and hard work, Frederick Douglass got through the rough times with his mindset. He knows failure is possible, yet, in the same way he knows that in order to get anywhere in life and overcome his past he must earn an honest living through hard work.
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Acceptance Essays
