So, what is this Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?
It is a theory used in psychology that states a human's needs, from the basic to more developed things like self-actualization.
It is shaped in a pyramid with the base as the largest, and most fundamental of human needs, with self-actualization at the top. The names may vary, but the general idea remains relatively constant. Some people may believe one is more important than another. The bottom needs must be satisfied before there is the want to satisfy the needs above it.
In total, there are 5 levels. At the very bottom, it is the physiological needs. These would include things that are essential to survival. Water, air, and food are required among all animals to survive and humans are no exception. Shelter, such as a home and clothes to keep you warm are apart of this category as well. With something this simple and basic, it is considered as the most fundamental of needs.
The next level up is the safety needs. In the wild, safety needs is pretty much limited to staying safe, alive, and away from predators. However in our human society, safety needs isn't the only safety that is required. Among safety needs, such as crossing the street and identifying dangerous situations, we have created a world where financial security, and health and well being are required as well. Financial security falls in to this category, as we humans have created a world where money is what is valued. Money is used to trade for the basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, as well as luxury items, such as watches, and cars.
The third level, which resides in the middle, as we are half way up the pyramid is the love and belonging section. This is where the sense of being loved and belonging comes to play when the previous two are satisfied. These are more emotionally based, such as friends, families, your other half, and intimacy. Most of us here are lucky to be well off enough so that food, and security isn't a problem. With that in mind, we usually start off at this level. We want to make friends, and be close to family. We want to have someone to talk to. We want to feel that there is a place where we feel like we belong, somewhere we can call home and be comfortable. It can come from friends, family, co-workers, clubs, and church for example. Sex could also be included in this group.
Next comes esteem and respect. Eventually we will all need some self-esteem, and self-respect. We also need to be valued by others, and respected by others. To do this, we might need to find in ourselves how we can contribute, so that we can gain recognition for ourselves and from others as well. These can come from hobbies, talents, and even our profession. To be valued and recognized by others, some people want to be famous. Even when one receives fame and value from millions of others, we still have to first find esteem and respect for ourselves for this requirement to be satisfied. With the help of Wikipedia, there are two versions of esteem needs, a higher one and a lower one. The lower one is from others, while the other one is from yourself.
The last and the need that is up at the top is self-actualization. This comes when all the other needs are met. This essentially is to assess your personal potential, and going up, above, and beyond that potential. Exceeding yourself will satisfy this need. As this is an infinite loop, I don't believe that this could ever be 100% satisfied, which makes sense as it is up at the top. Essentially, this is setting goals, then achieve it, and setting higher goals, and the process continues. These goals are unique to each individual. One could want to be a better writer, or a better parent. Another could want to expand a business overseas, and become the largest in the world. Those are a few examples.
Everyone is a different level. They might realize these things consciously, but they do ask for these things roughly in that order. I know where I am exactly. I know what I want, and it falls and ties in to it quite well. I am serious about what I want.
So, it comes down to you. Do you know where you are, and what you want exactly?
- My thoughts, made tangible
