Motivation matures, and by far the best-known map of motivational maturation is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow famously suggested that at the top of this hierarchy lay the potential motive of self-actualization. However, in late life, Maslow added beyond self-actualization the possibility of becoming motivated by self-transcendence.
But is it possible that there are potential motives beyond even self-transcendence? Surveying the
world’s contemplative traditions suggests there may be three further potential motives: selfless service in which self-transcendence finds expression in service to others, motivation transcendence in which the personal will is transcended, and transpersonal spontaneity in which activity is experienced as a spontaneous expression of the All.