Introduction

What happens after we reach self-actualization? Abraham Maslow’s famous hierarchy of needs taught us that self-actualization is the pinnacle of human motivation—the point at which we fully realize our potential. But more recently, psychologist Scott Barry Kauffman has taken Maslow’s work a step further, proposing that the ultimate goal isn’t just self-actualization but transcendence.

Transcendence involves going beyond the self to connect with others, nature, and the universe at a deeper level. It is about recognizing that our growth and potential are not limited to ourselves but extend into a broader, more interconnected reality. In this article, we will explore Kauffman’s idea of transcendence, how it builds on Maslow’s work, and what steps we can take to go beyond personal fulfilment and embrace a higher state of being.

What is Transcendence?

Transcendence, as defined by Kauffman, is a state of consciousness where the individual moves beyond the ego and personal desires to experience a sense of connection with others, nature, or the universe as a whole. It is the realization that our personal growth, while important, is not an end in itself. True fulfilment comes from contributing to something larger than ourselves—whether it’s through relationships, creativity, service, or a spiritual connection to the world around us.

In his book “Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization,” Kauffman suggests that while self-actualization is about reaching our personal best, transcendence is about integrating that growth into a larger framework of meaning. Transcendence is not just about “me,” but about “we”—how we relate to the world and how our individual purpose serves a greater whole.

How Transcendence Builds on Maslow’s Self-Actualization

To understand transcendence, it’s helpful to first review Maslow’s concept of self-actualization. In Maslow’s hierarchy, self-actualization is the process of becoming the most authentic version of yourself, living according to your values, and fulfilling your potential. However, Maslow’s work evolved over time, and before his death, he began to explore the idea of “self-transcendence.” He believed that the ultimate stage of human development went beyond the self and involved experiences of connection, unity, and spiritual awakening.

Kauffman’s work picks up where Maslow left off, arguing that transcendence is not a step beyond self-actualization but rather an integration of personal fulfilment with a larger sense of meaning. Kauffman proposes that transcendence involves:

Going Beyond the Ego: Instead of focusing solely on personal goals and achievements, transcendence encourages us to look beyond ourselves and consider how we can contribute to the well-being of others and the world at large.
Experiencing Peak and Plateau Moments: While Maslow emphasized the importance of “peak experiences”—intense moments of joy, creativity, or fulfilment—Kauffman also introduces the concept of “plateau experiences.” These are sustained feelings of peace, contentment, and connection that occur over time, rather than in short bursts. Plateau experiences reflect a deep, ongoing sense of transcendence.
Balancing Growth and Contribution: Kauffman suggests that true transcendence is a balance between personal growth and contribution to others. It’s about fulfilling our potential in ways that serve the collective good, not just ourselves.
Integrated Wholeness: Instead of seeing transcendence as something separate from self-actualization, Kauffman views it as the process of integrating our personal growth with our connections to others, nature, and the universe. This sense of wholeness allows us to see ourselves as part of a larger, interconnected system.

Characteristics of a Transcendent Person

According to Kauffman, people who experience transcendence share several key characteristics:

Purpose Beyond the Self: Transcendent individuals have a deep sense of purpose that goes beyond their personal achievements. They are driven by a desire to contribute to something greater than themselves, whether it’s through service, art, community, or environmental stewardship.
Emotional Depth and Connection: People who achieve transcendence are deeply empathetic and emotionally connected to others. They experience compassion, love, and a sense of unity with those around them.
Spirituality and Awe: Transcendent individuals often have a sense of spirituality or connection to something larger than themselves. They regularly experience feelings of awe in response to nature, art, or the mysteries of the universe.
Wisdom and Humility: A hallmark of transcendence is wisdom—the ability to see beyond one’s own perspective and consider the larger picture. Transcendent individuals are humble, recognizing that they are part of a much larger whole.

The Path to Transcendence

Transcendence is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong process of growth, connection, and contribution. Here are some ways to cultivate transcendence in your life:

Engage in Service
One of the most direct paths to transcendence is through service to others. Volunteering, mentoring, or contributing to causes you care about allows you to connect your personal purpose to the greater good. It shifts your focus from individual success to collective well-being.
Practice Compassion and Empathy
Cultivating compassion and empathy for others helps break down the barriers between self and other. Try to see the world through the eyes of others, whether it’s by listening deeply to those around you, supporting friends in need, or simply practicing kindness in your daily interactions.
Foster Awe and Wonder
Transcendence often arises from feelings of awe—moments when we feel small yet connected to something vast and mysterious. Spend time in nature, explore art, or engage in spiritual practices that inspire awe. These moments remind us of our place in the grand scheme of things.
Develop Emotional Depth
Transcendence requires emotional depth and the willingness to connect deeply with others. Cultivate your emotional intelligence by practicing mindfulness, reflecting on your emotions, and nurturing authentic relationships.
Seek Wisdom
Wisdom is a key element of transcendence. It involves seeing beyond your immediate concerns and considering the broader impact of your actions. Seek out wisdom from others, whether through reading, mentorship, or introspection, and apply that wisdom to how you live your life.
Live Your Purpose
Finally, living a transcendent life means aligning your personal purpose with the greater good. Reflect on how your unique talents, passions, and strengths can be used to contribute to something larger than yourself. Whether it’s through your work, relationships, or creative pursuits, find ways to make a positive impact on the world.

Practical Takeaways

Reflect on Your Contribution: Ask yourself how your current life choices contribute not only to your own growth but to the well-being of others. What can you do to serve a purpose larger than yourself?
Cultivate Awe and Connection: Make time for experiences that inspire awe and remind you of your connection to the world. Whether it’s spending time in nature, meditating, or engaging with art, these moments foster transcendence.
Balance Growth and Service: While personal growth is important, transcendence involves integrating that growth into your relationships and contributions. Seek out opportunities to give back while continuing your personal journey.

Conclusion

Scott Barry Kauffman’s concept of transcendence offers a powerful vision of human development. It shows us that life is not just about fulfilling our own potential but also about connecting with something larger than ourselves. By transcending the ego and aligning our growth with a greater purpose, we can experience deep fulfilment, emotional connection, and a profound sense of meaning.

As you continue your journey of personal development, consider how you can go beyond self-actualization and embrace transcendence. What steps can you take today to cultivate deeper connections, contribute to the world around you, and live a life of integrated wholeness?

In the next article, we’ll explore Bill Plotkin’s concept of the Sage in the Mountain Cave, a spiritual and archetypal approach to the culmination of life.

Resources

Scott Barry Kaufmann: Transcend