Abraham Maslow and the Science of Self-Actualization with Scott Barry Kaufman

Aug 3, 2025

Scott Barry Kaufman, a Columbia University psychology professor and director of the Center for Human Potential, delves into the life and influence of Abraham Maslow. He revises Maslow's theories on self-actualization, integrating them with themes like personal growth, the dark side of human behavior, and the evolving landscape of feminist ideologies. Kaufman highlights the importance of embracing authenticity, discusses the light triad versus the dark triad, and calls for a deeper understanding of human potential amidst contemporary societal challenges.

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ANECDOTE

Road Trip To Meet Maslow

Jeffrey Mishlove drove 2,000 miles to California hoping to meet Abraham Maslow after leaving a job he disliked. Maslow was cordial but declined affiliation because Mishlove was a long-haired anti-war protester.

ANECDOTE

Dream That Changed A Career

Jeffrey Mishlove describes a vivid dream where his great-uncle appeared at the moment of death and changed his career focus. The dream convinced him to move from criminology to studying the positive side of human behavior.

INSIGHT

Light Triad Defined

Scott Barry Kaufman defines the light triad as Kantianism, humanism, and faith in humanity. He contrasts it with the dark triad of Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism.

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Abraham Maslow and the Science of Self-Actualization with Scott Barry Kaufman

Scott Barry Kaufman is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads. He is the author and editor of 11 books. His most recent book is Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential. This discussion focuses on his book Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, about the life and work of Abraham Maslow, whose theories of human potential have been updated and revised by Dr. Kaufman. His website is https://scottbarrykaufman.com/bio/

Here he shares his appreciation for the work of Abraham Maslow and the various movements in psychology of which he was an acknowledged pioneer: humanistic, transpersonal, and positive psychology. The conversation also addresses the role of the dark side of human behavior.

New Thinking Allowed host, Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD, is author of The Roots of Consciousness, Psi Development Systems, and The PK Man. Between 1986 and 2002 he hosted and co-produced the original Thinking Allowed public television series. He is the recipient of the only doctoral diploma in “parapsychology” ever awarded by an accredited university (University of California, Berkeley, 1980). He is also the Grand Prize winner of the 2021 Bigelow Institute essay competition regarding the best evidence for survival of human consciousness after permanent bodily death. He is Co-Director of Parapsychology Education at the California Institute for Human Science.

(Recorded on July 3, 2025)

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