Not all characteristics of self-actualized people can be
observed, but some of these can:
People who are truly self-actualized are quite often single.
Some are divorced, but many have been single for life, for obvious reasons. The
married among them will usually be found alone when you meet and identify them
for who they are. Relationships are important to the self-actualized, but not
as important as their life's purpose, to know and understand life from the
highest levels of human experience. Now we are getting to the second level of
identifying characteristics. To probe this deeply, you will probably have to
eavesdrop on conversations or participate in some with them:
The most highly self-actualized read voraciously. They
work just hard enough so that they can go to the library often and keep
informed. They watch television, but not too much; they like science and
history channels. They are constantly searching to know more.
Transcended individuals tend to be poor or middle class in
today's "cash-first" society. Generally speaking, a state of
self-actualization and one of wealth-consciousness repel each other. Rich
people know how to work the system they're in. They don't want to think about
improving a scheme they've mastered. Their preoccupation (working a flawed
but advantageous system) binds them to base purposes.
Those who have transcended are non-violent. When you get close to a person who
shows promise of being self-actualized and discover that she or he is violent,
you're probably wise not to continue probing.
Can rich people be self-actualized?
Of course they can. Just don't look for them among the
wealthiest class. Don't go to fancy upscale lounges trying to find them. You're
better off walking into a common bar.
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