The problem of the ontological status of self-development, analyzing different correlations of the categories of development and self-development is discussed. Self-development is viewed as a specific, yet the highest level of development. The author describes criteria indicating specificity of self-development in comparison with development: constructive and personal character of self-changes, purposefulness and self-awareness. L. Carroll's story of Alice in Wonderland is analyzed as an illustration of behavioral interpretation of a text.