According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which category is the highest level?

Self-actualization is identified as the highest level in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This concept refers to the realization of an individual's potential, self-fulfillment, and the pursuit of personal growth and peak experiences. Individuals who have reached this stage are often focused on personal development, creativity, and the quest for meaning in their lives.

Maslow's theory posits that before reaching self-actualization, one must satisfy lower-level needs, including physiological needs such as food and water, safety needs for security and stability, and love/belonging needs related to relationships and social connections. Only when these foundational needs are met can a person pursue higher aspirations, thus positioning self-actualization at the pinnacle of the hierarchy.