Glossary / Lexicon

Strivings for superiority is defined by Alfred Adler as mechanisms to overcome feelings of inferiority .
Adler began to see each individual as having a feeling of inferiority. Adler wrote, "To be a human being means to feel oneself inferior. The child comes into the world as a helpless little creature surrounded by powerful adults. A child is motivated by his feelings of inferiority to "strive" for greater things. When he has reached one level of development, he begins to feel inferior once more and the "striving for something better" begins again which is the great driving force of mankind. These feelings of inferiority lead to a "striving for superiority". The striving for superiority is innate and carries individuals from one stage to the next. This striving can and does manifest itself in many different ways and each person has his own way of attempting to achieve perfection.