Our 2 Greatest FEARS - The Psychology of Conformity - Abraham Maslow

Huge thank you to everyone who is supporting After Skool on Patreon. I am very grateful. / afterskool
This video examines our two greatest fears in life. The concepts are derived from some of the teachings of Abraham Maslow.
Inspiration for this video comes from Academy of Ideas, a brilliant educational recourses that aims to reignite the teachings of history's greatest philosophers, scientists and psychologists. Check out their website to learn more. academyofideas.com/ And please subscribe to their youtube channel / academyofideas
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Sources: The Farther Reaches of Human Nature by Abraham H. Maslow

[@nicfeller]

Another example of The Golden Mean as taught by Aristotle - Between Arrogance and Humility lie the golden mean: Confidence

[@paultee2483]

@Intelligently Stoopid v

[@Malt454]

Such is the Buddha's Middle Path.

[@jaxx-inspiregrowcreate2862]

*It takes a stronger person to stand alone then to try to fit in.*

[@AxxLAfriku]

I am extremely strong. I continue making videos even though people hate me

[@shtreberka3642]

Watch video before commenting ffs

[@themacocko6311]

@@shtreberka3642 Thank you.

[@arireid1245]

That's real I've always been a lone wolf!

[@jaxx-inspiregrowcreate2862]

Ari Reid me too!

[@nickliu3511]

Good video and a very interesting idea, just one deviating opinion I'd like to share. Humility is not about diminishing yourself or your achievements. Humility is not about thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less.

[@richard-costa]

Although the fear of isolation might be a real cause for not achieving greatness I think the primary reason would be the fear of reaching your full potential and think "is that it? That's the best I can do?". Instead we entertain ourselves with the illusion that we are capable of anything, but never reaching anything so as not to destroy that illusion.

[@monkeyfaceyou]

Greatness runs out of time, not potential.

[@everythingisamindgame9666]

Yea that's the fear of conformity the video was telling us

[@LionheartLivin]

Well said!!!;)

[@jeffseelinger3117]

Personally, I think wanting to be with our family/friends and having to isolate yourself holds us back. The thought of going across the country to the nation's top schools for a graduate degree? Taking this experience & moving across the world for the top job opportunities? My cousin did this. He's had to move to Thailand, Canada, China, you name it. He's very successful... but is it worth it? While you're well respected in corporate, it makes it very difficult to be close with your family or make friends. For me, I managed to go to a very competitive school for my Bachelor's degree. I met some very smart people who went to ivy league schools for MBAs/PhDs. This alone was my reality check for me. There are always bigger fish.

[@vishaldoiphode2785]

If you have 1] big debt 2] unhealthiness 3] not self dependant Then, you are already in hell...

[@AfterSkool]

financial stress can certainly make a demon out of anyone.

[@JacobRobinson]

Good thing I’m a cash cow

[@4th19th2]

@@AfterSkool Attachment that is.

[@nancydotimas1399]

@@AfterSkool l financial stress , having not enough money?

[@greenphonix9326]

@Google User Yeah, lets spread a political ideology (a assume you are a republican) in a comment were it doesn't belong. Try to think for your self. It doesn't matter which party wins or do you really think yours cares for their people ?

[@guitarmann3001]

This KZbin channel and Academy of Ideas are my favorite KZbin channels!

[@skellybelly6972]

I have realized that being honest to yourself is one of the best things you can do in life. However, being honest to other people is often the same thing as being mean, honesty is rarely appreciated.

[@user-pc8tb7hg1lHandlesRDumb]

i feel like my fear of conformity is far greater than my fear of loneliness.

[@solecustoms]

That's why you are the lone wolf!

[@RoastHardy]

That's why we feel the need to react and reply, to be lonely. If we'd shut up, we would fit in.

[@flyinspagettimonstah]

Why do you then watch youtube?

[@aniaveblog]

Could be. There are always exceptions to the rule.

[@RichardFletcher]

liked then watched I was right to do so

[@AfterSkool]

liked your comment before I read it ;)

[@paulfaganpianist]

Wow. Every now and then comes along a video that just makes practical sense and it clicks. Loved this

[@nocturnalferalguitarist]

40 years later I need to watch after school specials again. ☹️🤔🤗

[@paule.2687]

Academy of Ideas is one of the best things I've ever found on YT

[@AfterSkool]

same!

[@souravbarua5383]

The strongest and oldest emotion of mankind is fear. The strongest and oldest kind of fear of mankind is the fear of unknown. -H.P Lovecraft

[@souravbarua5383]

Fear has been there ever since the age of troglodytes. It is ingrained into our system. In my opinion, Love would be the most intense emotion. Fear is definitely the oldest but whether or not it is the strongest, is still controversial.

[@jojomang3016]

I think humans fear lack of control more than we fear the unknown. For example, Witchers. People often say that the community is afraid of them because they're not understood but they're easy to identify and everyone knows what they do. I think the main problem people have with them, is that they can't be controlled. The average person is not stronger than a Witcher. If you anger Witcher, who is going to come to your defense? Other regular people? What are your chances of defending yourself? The same could be said in the situation of seeking greatness. We know how to control the situation we're in right now, because we're in it. We know what the rules are but to seek to become something different, to rise above what we are currently, well, who knows what would change in our lives? Who knows what new struggles would come with that. It's kind of a combination between fear of unknown and loss of control.

[@JanTrautwein]

How can we fear something that we don't know? I think we are projecting something into this unknown and then we are afraid of that. The worst possible outcome that we (or our subconscious) can think of usually.

[@mikedepung8989]

Loved the video! Clever and informative! As I watched, I thought about ego's role in urging us to conform because that, as said, keeps us safe. The step further is that once we have conformed, we still feel that pull to not be isolated, so we group up with others who have conformed and who are most like us, and then we assume an attitude of superiority over others who have conformed along different lines. Ego is a funny thing, and to me, it's not the faculty with which we should choose to act, react, and interact with life. Heart, the highest self, is the faculty that allows us to proceed in the healthy, confident way in the video. We get to choose which energy source to use as our motive force. Thanks for the thought provoking video.

[@everythingisamindgame9666]

U pretty much sum uo the video good one.

[@optimisticenigma283]

this is the thought provoking content I subbed for. Thank you , Afterskool.

[@kelvinbel8910]

Great job, that was awesome. One could watch this every morning.

[@daniel_najar]

After Skool and Academy of Ideas are amazing channels. Love all the work you guys do, Meaningful content.

[@tolerants231]

I fell 7 stories, was in a coma for 3 weeks, and lived. I walk now and I am completely grateful. After my fall, I was in a band and we played many shows and almost got signed. I had such a fear of making it big, that it bothered me to the core. I ended up quitting the band only to move back with my girlfriend and closer to my family. I felt it was the safer route, so that's why I chose it. I'm married now with kids and have a house, but I think alot sometimes if I wouldve stayed in the band. I think of how I'm 39 now unemployed, and where I'm going to go from here, what job will I have? I took the conformity route and am still pestered about my profession. Should it even be a big deal, when i lived through falling 7 stories, got to live out my dream of being a rock star, and having a wife and kids?

[@adamcausley4653]

Bit late but my thoughts are if your happy with your current life you shouldn't regret the steps it took to get there.

[@tolerants231]

@@adamcausley4653 Thanks man, I'm getting better at that each day

[@adamcausley4653]

@@tolerants231 great to hear mate. Enjoy the journey🙏

[@naturalisted1714]

Suffering is our greatest fear.

[@designingmindy6175]

The struggle is real! Thank you for another great video! 💖

[@osse1n]

Basically, people are addicted to fantasies so if we reach heights of our potential, there is nothing look forward to.

[@johnclark8637]

This is pretty insightful

[@chubber911]

Even the most successful among us still fantasize about that which they don't have. If you were free of fantasy, that would be a testament to your mindfulness, not to what you've achieved.

[@osse1n]

@@chubber911 I completely agree. Very few on earth reach that point.

[@cullenkline6893]

O'SSÉIN - Master Your Mind With Me Are you referring to Neil Armstrong?

[@crixuswalliser7863]

The higher you stand the farther you see

[@shortcutDJ]

it's not our darkness that we fear, but our stepping into the light

[@Greenninjadjh]

These ideas are worth knowing. Thanks for sharing them so succinctly. If only they were as easy to apply and practice as they are to learn.

[@patrickconnolly2654]

You just gotta want it(learn) all day everyday forever.

[@jurvanoerle2845]

The message of this video is build on the premise that everyone wants or should want to be rich, successful, influential or famous. If you try to strive to reach those goals (driven very much on outside stimuli and essentially turning you into an unfulfilled addict), you will never find true, generic happiness. Look inside for happiness, not outside.

[@sumama4835]

Yes I deal with this as well. It's such a thin line and easy to step over! I'm trying my hardest to balance it! I do believe love is the answer.. love for others and for yourself!

[@keepmoving1185]

“I haven’t asked anything of myself, I’ve been waiting to die!” - Former Admiral Picard

[@bps4086]

Thank you very much for these words you've spoken my friend, I really needed to hear this. I honestly felt my soul spark a light, telling me to become great!

[@LionheartLivin]

This is by far one of the best videos I've ever seen, thank you!!!;)

[@ThirdDimensionalBeing]

Self confidence Is hard when people pick at you with their negative beliefs about you. It could be to the point of argument, or passive aggressiveness. Meanwhile with low self confidence you are already hard on yourself, and to be honest, you know very well that there is potential, in all of us. Yet you still have you pitfalls dragging you back into a plataeu of none progression. I would like to think ideally, we are here for all of us to grow. But considering the way humans treat each other, I'm not sure.

[@chiefcodesosa379]

👏🏽

[@kookiecastro8452]

nature's natural process they say haha

[@EvilThoughtsBaby]

Getting out of your egoic mind, into awereness, and then you just do what you do.

[@RedCarRecords]

Fantastic video! I've definitely struggled with these fears in regards to my own creative projects.

[@AashayChaukekar]

One of the most powerful videos I've ever seen on KZbin

[@isaacwalker5124]

Well done, my man. Beautifully put.

[@freppie_]

So am i being prepared for greatness? now when i'm constantly lonely.

[@mkmllrc]

depends on how you define greatness.

[@brokewheels5]

What such a profound lesson, amazingly illustrated on a white board. Always impressed.

[@AfterSkool]

Thank you!

[@KD-qp3gc]

That was very well done. Thank you for making me think.

[@JustusWilcox]

Congrats an academy of ideas’s shout out. Been subscribed for two years.

[@yourbarista4154]

This rings true with me and many others here but in my interactions with others I find very few with any struggle except to fit in. Very rarely do I find people wrestling with their greatness.

[@o24_ashutoshmathekar87]

Thank you , this video makes me think over it ......

[@artemvarlamoff2840]

Thank you for a great inspirational video!

[@YagamiLin]

Amazing thank you very much

[@yashkulkarni5455]

Damm whaatta beautiful concept and the art work as a cherry on the top. Thanks Afterskool❤️

[@lacitafleming]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing ✨☀️✨

[@oussama8717]

I watched the video on academy of ideas, it was great, and with your animation it becomes better. I am a huge fan of academy of ideas, i hope people will check it out.

[@Hondeer]

Real talk tho: That 'dark isolation' Maslov speaks of is worse than anyone can imagine. It is literally 'the dragon of chaos'. You doubt everything, you doubt everyone but once youre in it, you keep having to go go go because its trying to eat you at the same time. If you stop, you die because you are so far out from the norm, you can never go back. So be careful. Its a lofty ideology. But the saying is true, it is lonely at the top. Very. Lonely.

[@isaacwalker5124]

Stfu, poo-poo pants.

[@AM-ko4pi]

Hondeer when I stopped, I was shown what a fraud I’d become. I needed to burn away so much of myself, I effectively killed myself through a mental breakdown and had to relearn how to think, remember, and socialize. It took four years of pain, doubt, and routine to reintegrate into society again. It was hard, but I wouldn’t trade that humbling experience for the world. I’m a more complete person now.

[@AM-ko4pi]

christine smith It depends. I didn’t get close, but I was on the fast track professionally. Thing is, it wasn’t what I wanted. Don’t automatically equate being at the top with the idea of monetary rewards. Define what your top is first, then strive for it. In my case, I needed to become well adjusted before I could define what I truly wanted. Before, I was sacrificing my time with family and my personal interests for professional gain. Now, I’m a family man with varied interests who is trusted in the work environment. It’ll take time, but I’m going to enjoy the ride. I’m restarting my journey now and it feels great being back on track.

[@shawarmageddonit]

"That 'dark isolation' Maslov speaks of is worse than anyone can imagine. It is literally 'the dragon of chaos'." Well, figuratively.

[@Hondeer]

@@AM-ko4pi I have to keep going. I tend to not look back because I'm so far from shore that I know I'll drown. I've gone back on a 'tour' to see what its like. Couldn't cope so I had to come back out. You're a lucky individual.

[@everythingisamindgame9666]

I needed this

[@diogenesdacynic8656]

I do love academy of ideas. Hands down my favorite yourube channel

[@APaulO96]

This video made a lot of sense for me

[@brianlefevre7699]

I honestly think it's more that we fear that we can't actually live up to that potential, i think most people are more afraid of failure, than afraid of success.

[@rukshanathapa9149]

I love this channel 💓💓💓

[@Eric-vy6wd]

Please don't ever stop doing these

[@juliaandjoanne]

the artist for this is amazing!! expo markers as an art medium i’m shook

[@DianaWanMa]

Thank you for the vídeo

[@Education-Edge]

Standing out can be lonely at times, BUT at least I learned how to enjoy my alone time!

[@joejute287]

Everyone has the opportunity to achieve greatness, however only a few grasp this concept.

[@LiMitZplus]

Joe Jute would you say that to a 66 IQ homeless person?

[@brianmatthews9461]

Joe Jute I disagree. Not everyone is capable or we would all be famous.

[@joejute287]

@Brian Matthews ,surely we couldnt all be famous. However only the few who grasp this concept have found greatness.

[@LiMitZplus]

Joe Jute I mean this concept is a tautology so you can’t really say that

[@WithLightAndLoveLuisa]

NEEDED THIS

[@adriandelavega8360]

What a beautiful video!

[@adamdumond1216]

great vid....learned a lot

[@05gtdriver]

The thing is most of us equate success with some form of wealth(monetary or other-wise). There's always going to be someone better at us at certain things, as long as we can find what we're good at and expand on that, I think that's success in a nutshell. There are plenty of dummies that are filthy rich and many geniuses that are dirt poor, it doesn't mean they'll both stay that way forever.

[@everythingisamindgame9666]

Confidence is the succes we all seek in whatever actively we do not money.

[@HellsJerome87]

This is why it’s said that hanging around successful people helps achieve success. People who succeeded in your desired field of success will follow and support you throughout your personal development in that field.

[@arimax7974]

Definitely agree with a lot of this video, think it has a lot of wisdom! The one thing I disagree with though is 5:46 when you describe the key to confidence as being better but not thinking you're better. Firstly, because it's a hard thing to achieve without you wanting to achieve it, and if you want to achieve it you will reflect or think about weather or not you are achieving it. Secondly, I don't think it's a matter of 'being better' because that seems to be comparative (or maybe I am misunderstanding what you are saying), and your aim is never to be better but to feel safe and certain of your understanding. I feel this is something that comes with time, patience and courage rather than anything else.

[@freyamarchetti8835]

this is one of my most favourite channels EVER

[@AfterSkool]

ur my favorite channel ever :)

[@Ur1z13l]

Academy of ideas. Yeah!

[@prymalfit]

Damn I looove this. I just did a blog post on confidence and feel like I was saying exactly this!

[@Antweezy]

so true. i get anxious in front of people but always wanted to be a dj and last year reached out and now i dj weddings and school events

[@brett4264]

Someone should remind Marlow that the average person is well... average.

[@stephenireland6110]

@DW Washburn We've never lived in a more tolerant society than today, I'd say for the most part people are excepting these days, won't stop them giving you funny looks but

[@timteller1400]

fear of greatness (=>isolation) vs fear of conformity (=>loss of individuality) 4:28 solution

[@TheDoomWizard]

Great video

[@leryespi3106]

Why are richness, influence and fame the only things that define greatness? Very questionable... There is so much more to life. Mo money mo problems.

[@JanTrautwein]

They also used the word "success", which can include something different for every person. To have a positive impact on the plant for example. To have an amazing family. etc. On another note: I think it might be interesting for you to find out where your belief around money comes from and how it might reflect in your life. If you believe "more money, more problems" it will be impossible for you to every create financial abundance. (and with that you would use a lot of opportunities to contribute and a lot of freedom that comes with financial resources.)

[@schwiesenranz3440]

Mo money (and if you tell everyone how much you have) mo problems

[@DS-cf3ru]

While definitions and exact means of achieving greatness can differ from one individual to another, I think it can broadly be considered as "how significant is your positive impact on this world?" How many and to what extent have you influenced people's lives? Being rich definitely helps, as it allows you to influence people a lot more, but it isn't the only criteria.

[@joshswinn3483]

I love this channel! Do you recommend showing this to my 1st grader?

[@TheVampyroteuthis]

This entire video can be summed up by the yin/yang illustration at the very end. The Tao Te Ching is truly "the way"

[@germanmendiola3298]

Very nice!

[@Comicgamerkids]

My biggest fear are clown snakes. I think that counts as two

[@kevinl6136]

omg dude I hate clown snakes

[@josephsiriani1597]

To reach greatness you must *become* the clown snake. That... *Is Your Destiny.*

[@Comicgamerkids]

@Obi-Wan Kenobi The level of intelligence needed to make a president joke is so low.

[@mundiyachisanga4510]

Absolutely true Awesome

[@nicholasmarkowicz9168]

excellent video

[@Simplup]

Once people do make it to the top, the new challenge becomes staying at the top.

[@hermeneuticanautica7363]

Let's go! Academy of ideas I the best KZbin channel

[@Dogshitt248]

Man these videos are great

[@Balancinglife]

Balancing life here. For you.

[@EPICoutcast24]

If you have the potential to be great, or unique, chances are that you’ve already subconsciously started the path and are alone for doing so. If your worst fear has already come to pass, why stop now?

[@zuvlet]

I love you all and this channel, everyone in the comments section,

[@culturetherapist]

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground- Teddy Roosevelt

[@h.huffen-puff4105]

Define 'Greatness'.

[@jalilstephens6199]

This what people don’t get about me. The “fear of conformity” is my biggest nightmare. But I’m not scared that I will conform to everyone’s norms and expectations. I’m scared that my circumstances will force me to conform. I know I have greatness inside of me. I just hope one day the world can see it too.

[@Marleymarcus]

This channel should have at least 20M subscribers. It has the secret.

[@AfterSkool]

20 million sounds kinda lonely. Time to conform :P

[@1-Aria]

so... uhm... be confident and.... stand out? yeah thanks man, real helpful.

[@luckyleo88]

Where's my individuate gang at? Good blessings all the days of standing up for yourself =)

[@jalilstephens6199]

Right here!!!

[@rasgaddamion3300]

Perfect video for me. A Khoi San South African bushman born 1990 into South Africa’s fake freedom because Madela died in prison1985. I’m playing guitar 🎸 here in Addis Ababa Ethiopia the new Jerusalem. No friends right now. Just me, my bible, my ganja and my guitar 🎸.

[@chuka10]

Good video

[@alini_boomm]

I think the fear of failure prevents most from even trying. We fear we may never live up to our greatness and be rejected therefore alone. I think it's important to put this video in that context as well. I would love to be Hollywood actress but the likelihood that I'll fail is much stronger than my desire to conform.

[@johngehlert2709]

yeah, I call bullshit. In the case of Maslow talking to his students, they didn't fear greatness, they feared being socially criticized for being arrogant when they hadn't proved themselves to be great. We're fighting against the uncomfortable process of self actualization not a "fear of being great".

[@Chip_Doubledip]

The notion everyone can achieve greatness is a foolish one, most of would likely fail and lose what little we have. Conformity however, should be a top priority, that is what allows us to be as great as we can be. When we conform, we make society better. Prison is full of non-conformists.

[@t.cenarc6336]

Comfort in conformity, and growth from chaos. Safety in familiar partterns, happiness in finding new patterns.

[@KaryShort-wi7kv]

Don't you dare worry about greatness! Just do what you can as best as you can remember how to do in general in your own personal 💻 life 🧬! Also don't you dare worry about awesomeness in general at all under any circumstances either ever!❤😂🎉😅😊! 5/29/24! 3:27pm! 4:34

[@Je.rone_]

*Tbh I see a lot of people who seem to have no desire to reach their full potential* and 😂 and also great video!!

[@danielconway4136]

From my experience, many fear the work involved with things we deem extraordinary. I've experienced the same fear, only I'm sure it was more just all the weed I was smoking

[@LifeVersity]

The only 2 fears we're born with are a fear of heights and a fear of loud noises. The rest of our fears are self taught

[@calebl6609]

Can you provide a source for that? Thanks.

[@LifeVersity]

@@calebl6609 sure. www.theskysthelimitconsulting.com/blog/with-which-two-fears-are-we-born

[@LifeVersity]

@David Cardy I learned it in a psychology class in college

[@LifeVersity]

@David Cardy yea i think that is why fear of loud noises is innate. because loud noises usually equaled danger to our primitive ancestors

[@mwils2531]

@@LifeVersity and spiders!

[@o24_ashutoshmathekar87]

Can we quantify confidence ? Can we say that confidence is amount of thoughts ( visual or in form of sound energy) mixed with Faith. Think........

[@gavinwarnock1254]

Confidence comes from experience

[@brett4264]

I'm sure 99% of those watching this are comforted about why they're not great.