This book is a framework for a proper theory of social goals, one that reflects a look at human motivation over the life span. It is somewhat complex, but not complex or refined enough to be a proper theory. It is not written explicitly for motivational experts, social psychologists, developmentalists, personologists, or clinicians, but it is hoped it is relevant for all of them. It cannot be understood how the study of human motivation can be advanced without accounting for principles of social psychology, rules of cognitive differentiation, dynamics of conflict resolution, or theories of organismic growth and development. This book sythesizes vast funds of information known by specialists in these areas.