Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow

Perhaps Colin Wilson says it all in his introduction to this book: "... there is a sense that Maslow has STILL not come into his own. His significance lies in the future and will become apparent in the 21st century." By publishing these papers, Edward Hoffman has done a great service to those who want to know more of the advanced theories of Maslow regarding self-actualizing, metavalues and metamotivations. The book features an excellent biographical sketch of Maslow's career by Hoffman. There are many gems in this book, but my favorite is "17 - Higher Motivation and the New Psychology." In this paper Dr. Maslow sets aside his prepared text and delivers a spell-binding talk about his unfolding theories. It was late in his career, at the University of Maine, and fortunately it was recorded and transcribed. To give you an idea of how important Maslow felt it was, he states early on: "I am just at the point of developing a new theory, and I am not quite courageous enough to accept its implications. It almost frightens me. I am scared of what it may mean in overturning mainstream psychological notions, and it rouses a whole conflict of pride and humility, hubris and fear. Well, let me try it, and if my voice begins to quiver, you'll know why." He then rolls out essential material for the scholar or layperson who seeks to learn his insights regarding values, metavalues, and self-actualizing that were overlooked at the time, and have yet to be fully appreciated.

The "Future Visions The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow" has opened my eyes anew. I only wish his works had been given their due instead of the distilled pabulum treatment served during my time at the university.As both a CPA and organizational consultant, I found this book extremely insightful as well as pragmatically useful when assessing the collective energy and drive of both organizations and their leaders. Dollars may drive commerce but it's dignity that drive people. Maslow's ideas when fully integrated into formal organizational feedback metrics will be sure to inspire man's natural leadership and then begin to focus on a higher path of being. A nice piece of work.