In this particular text, Hegel speaks of self-actualization.  For one to be self-actualized one must recognize something as distinct from oneself while that something must reciprocate the same action (it recognizes the distinction as well).  This can be referred to as Hegel’s view of the natural order.  Though the antitheses of a being is required for self-recognition, things of general difference are also necessary; e.g. a human recognizing its distinction from a dog or a tree.

The progress of self-recognition is diminished when one of the beings is inferior to the other.  Both beings suffer in the progress of their self-actualization in this situation.  The being in the superior position will not have a mirror image (one recognizing the other as something of equal value) to identify with itself and will be unable to achieve a true recognition.  For example, a human being requires another human being to make the determination that he/she is a human being, or something that is the complete opposite to discover that he/she is not that particular thing.  Consequently, the one in the inferior position also lacks this mirror image required for some of its progress in self-actualization.

Can an optimal relationship be achieved where the individuals involved are at distinctly different social statuses and are considered to be of different self-worth? An optimal relationship is one where the individuals involved can maximize their self-actualizations (recognition and respect is equal in both parties).  Hegel believes that the Slave and Master relationship is inferior to one of equality.  The master, in order to maintain the position of master, does not recognize the slave as an individual or something of value, but the slave provides the master with an ignorant belief of self-worth.  The master determines who he is through the labor of the slave.  This is an ignorant belief of self-worth because the master is relating himself to the world through the slave’s experiences.  This particular master does not do anything himself and his luxuries and daily life are dependent on the labor of the slave.  The slave progressives in self-actualization through work, but still lacks that recognition as a being of value from the master.  This means the slave is not entirely dependent on the master for self-actualization, but the master, who desires to maintain this relationship, is dependent on the slave.  The slave cannot achieve true self-actualization until he is no longer a slave, and the master cannot achieve self-actualization until he experiences the world for himself.

 This raises the question: how can an optimal social relationship be achieved to maximize everyone’s self-actualization?  The master has power but is not taking any responsibility to improve his own self-awareness and is instead relying on the slave to do this.  The slave has all the responsibility but lacks power (the freedom) to have novel experiences-- anything that the master does not permit the slave to do.  This is a suboptimal relationship that limits both parties from having the tools to achieve self-awareness.  For an optimal relationship to be achieved the slave, according to Hegel, must not fear death and therefore has the capability to bargain with the master.  The master, who is dependent on the slave, must concede to the slave’s demand.  This leads to a forced equality.  In summary, power without responsibility is unstable because it goes against Hegel’s view of the natural order, which is equality.