Words are thoughts.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
A simple vocabulary for thinking about what people need — from food and safety to belonging, esteem, and growth.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy of human needs in 1943. The familiar pyramid is a later way of visualizing the idea. Real lives are messier: people can pursue love, creativity, meaning, and achievement even when lower-level needs are not fully satisfied.
Self-actualization
Growth, meaning, creativity, and becoming more fully yourself.
creative work · personal growth · purpose · masteryEsteem
Respect, confidence, achievement, recognition, and feeling capable.
recognition · confidence · accomplishment · respectLove and belonging
Friendship, intimacy, family, connection, and being part of a group.
friendship · family · romance · communitySafety
Security, stability, health, shelter, resources, and protection from danger.
stable housing · health care · financial security · protectionPhysiological
The bodily basics needed to live, such as food, water, sleep, warmth, and air.
food · water · sleep · warmthHow to use it
The hierarchy can be most useful as a question: what need might be underneath this want? Wanting praise may point toward esteem. Wanting a dependable paycheck may point toward safety. Wanting time to paint may point toward self-actualization. The same object can serve different needs depending on the person and context.
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