Setting Yourself Free

Michelangelo was commissioned to create the sculpture of David, which was carved out of marble between 1501 and 1504. One of the most recognizable statues in modern day, David came to be known as possibly the most famous statue in the world. What has always intrigued me around this piece is some of the commentary Michelangelo provided around his process.

I have often found his words to resonate with the possibility of self-actualization. The attainment of self-actualization includes one’s full involvement in life, and the consciousness of what one is capable of accomplishing, creating, and being. In the field of psychology, it is considered one of the highest states of emotional and mental understanding of one’s self.

There is a famous quote by Michelangelo in which he was asked about the process of creating David, and stated “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I often think about this quote and how it translates to the human journey of self-actualization. I imagine that Michelangelo was referring to himself, and through the act of carving away, letting go, and transforming the marble, he in turn also transformed himself.

He was also ask by the Pope how he knew what to cut away when creating the statue, in which Michelangelo responded, “It’s simple. I just remove everything that doesn’t look like David.” I think fondly of this as well, as it amplifies the idea of creating ourselves, cutting away what does not fit, and settling in to our true identity and existence.

Self-actualization is a journey worth embarking on, and through introspective work and considering our identity, who we were, who we are, and who we’d like to become, we can begin to walk the path to experiencing our true selves.