It looks as if there were a single ultimate goal for mankind, a far goal toward which all persons strive. This is called variously by different authors self-actualization, self-realization, integration, psychological health, individuation, autonomy, creativity, productivity, but they all agree that this amounts to realizing the potentialities of the person, that is to say, becoming fully human, everything that person can be.
A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that simple, everyday creations can embody more creativity than more highly regarded art forms.
Abraham Maslow's quote emphasizes the idea that creativity is not solely measured by traditional artistic standards. A first-rate soup, a common yet complex culinary creation, can reflect profound creativity and skill, perhaps even surpassing the creativity found in a second-rate painting, which may be technically deficient or lacking in originality. This perspective invites us to appreciate creativity in all forms, regardless of their cultural status.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a cooking competition, one might quote this to emphasize the artistry involved in culinary creations.
More from Abraham Maslow
All quotes βDispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth.
The study of crippled, stunted, immature, and unhealthy specimens can yield only a cripple psychology and a cripple philosophy
Marriage is a school itself. Also, having children. Becoming a father changed my whole life. It taught me as if by revelation.
It seems that the necessary thing to do is not to fear mistakes, to plunge in, to do the best that one can, hoping to learn enough from blunders to correct them eventually.
I was awfully curious to find out why I didn't go insane.
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I had no proof that I had the stuff to be an artist, though I hungered to be one.
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