It sounds like you’re looking for a concise answer. Here it is:
A Theory of Human Motivation
A. H. Maslow (1943)
Originally Published in Psychological Review, 50, 370-396.
Posted August 2000
About the Book:
Maslow further develops his well-known Hierarchy of Needs in Motivation and Personality, providing a more thorough examination of human motivation. The book introduces important ideas like self-actualisation, the quest for personal development, and peak experiences—moments of intense creativity or joy. Maslow places self-actualisation as the pinnacle of human development by contrasting growth requirements—higher-level aspirations for self-fulfilment—with deficiency needs, which are basic needs for life. Along with outlining what makes a healthy personality, the book offers insights into the traits of people who have realized their full potential.
This work was foundational in the field of humanistic psychology and continues to influence contemporary discussions about personal growth, motivation, and well-being.