Understanding Autotelic: The Concept of Self-Sufficient Happiness

Autotelic means that something is self-contained or self-sufficient, meaning it does not require anything else to be complete or fulfilled. In other words, it is a thing that can provide its own satisfaction or happiness without relying on external factors.
For example, an autotelic person is someone who finds happiness and fulfillment within themselves, rather than seeking it from external sources such as relationships, material possessions, or social status. They are able to find joy and contentment in their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and do not rely on external validation to feel complete.
The term "autotelic" is derived from the Greek words "auto," meaning "self," and "telos," meaning "goal" or "purpose." It was first coined by psychologist Abraham Maslow to describe people who have a strong sense of self-determination and are able to find fulfillment in their own lives without relying on external factors.