Theory of self-actualization in Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers and the idea of 'Perfect Man' in Aziz Nasafi

The main aim of the research is to analyze the intersection between the theory of Self Actualization in Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers and the perception of Perfect Man in Aziz Nasafi and to underline the propositions of both approaches on human perfection. The research will further discuss the main features of self-actualized man as defined by an analysis which will be made through the two separate standpoints. The research underlines the self-actualization theories of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Maslow argues that every human must fulfill his basic needs which he describes in a pyramidal system. The self-actualization as the goal of a human being is on the top of this hierarchical scheme. Maslow regards man as a growth oriented being.Other than the mentioned condition of self-actualization; Maslow refers to a healthy society to fulfill this higher goal. However, he underlines that this higher fulfillment of man cannot be achieved by any human but rather only a few of people. Carl Rogers was also an American psychologist who, like Maslow, emphasized the potential for good that exists within all people. Alongside Abraham Maslow, he is one of the forerunners of humanist psychology. He is especially well known for non-directive or client-centered therapy. Carl Rogers adopted this self-actualization conception and integrated it into his humanistically oriented psychotherapy system. Aziz Nasafi begins his description with an explanation of the cosmos and the existence to underline the specific status of human being among the entire creation. Thus, the man is the heart of the existence and the top of the creation. To figure out this issue Nasafi explains in several issues pertinent to the self-actualization process: the importance of self-awareness, the difference between those who actualize and those who do not, the need for understanding obstacles to actualization. At the end, in contrast to Maslow and Rogers, Nasafi includes a circular mechanism because of the fact that he understands the material and spiritual part of men in its entirety. Keywords: Maslow, Nasafi, Perfect Man, Carl Rogers, Self-actualization, Humanistic Psychology