Will and Self-Actualization

Though nearly identical, literally and etymologically, 'self-activation' and 'self-actualization' generally have two very different meanings. While the former is usually used to describe the process of setting oneself in motion, the latter, notably as the cardinal principle of a Psychological doctrine, is synonymous with 'the fulfillment of one's potential'. The contrast thus exposes two consequential metaphysical prejudices entailed by that doctrine--that Selfhood is conditioned by potentiality that precedes actuality, and, that personal development is intrinsically limited, i. e. limited to realizing its potential. For Formaterialism, in which self-activation, i. e. Will, is a fundamental principle, personal development is, in principle, emergent and indefinite, and, hence, is potentially stifled by a program that aims at self-actualization.