What is the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is recognized as the highest level. This concept represents the fulfillment of personal potential and the realization of one’s abilities and talents. Individuals at this stage seek personal growth, self-improvement, and authenticity, as they strive to become the best version of themselves. Self-actualization goes beyond meeting basic and psychological needs; it focuses on achieving one’s goals, pursuing creativity, and engaging in meaningful experiences that contribute to overall well-being.

The other levels of needs, such as physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, and esteem needs, must generally be satisfied before one can reach self-actualization. Physiological needs include basic survival requirements, like food and water, safety needs pertain to feeling secure and protected, social needs involve relationships and belongingness, and esteem needs relate to the desire for respect and recognition. Each progressive level builds upon the previous ones, leading up to the pinnacle of self-actualization, where individuals can fully express themselves and realize their full potential.