While self-actualization sits at the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as the ideal to be achieved, even within the model it is not the pinnacle of human development: self-actualized individuals are prone to what Maslow refers to as “peak experiences”, which in a very simplified way can be described as feelings of overwhelming possibility and interconnectedness in which new ideas and values form.

A deeply disturbing realization came my way today: the process by which both Hitler and the Unabomber came to their deranged beliefs is strikingly similar to the generally positive peak experience. These “shadow peaks” provoke the same reevaluations of worldview, yet the result is something twisted and inhumane. I believe that the risk of this is accentuated with a highly negative environment, despite the fact that a negative environment can also provoke more stable individuals at a high level of development to positive peaks.