Was Dr. Martin Luther King Self-Actualized?

You need to look at the famous poor to find the best examples of self-actualized individuals. Mother Theresa certainly transcended. Many refer to Ghandi as the example Mother Theresa emulated. They were indeed self-actualized; no leaders have surpassed them.

A more familiar figure is Dr. Martin Luther King, who became hero to certain people and villain to others, depending upon the prejudices of those in judgment. Although remembered as self-actualized, he was not transcendent throughout his life. You can sense by his story that he was never wildly enthusiastic about becoming another victim of non-violence in the struggle for equal rights.

More than just a little reluctantly at first, but then, examining his heart, and with stunning courage, he took leadership for a cause, not because it was his cause only, but because others so badly needed him to go ahead and visit "the Mountaintop, ... and [see] the promised land" they had all worked so long and hard to find.

Yes, he was self-actualized, and fully so, right there at the end of his life. Admire Dr. King, and admire all those who took a beating, or multiple beatings, for your sake and for mine. Admire them for their decision to rise above and lift this country out of its "basic" madness of that time.

Now, who will step forward to take the beatings for America's current state of "basic" madness?