First, Maslow's hierarchy is a theory, not a strict rule. People don't always move neatly from one level to the next. For example:
- A parent may put their children's needs before their own, even when they are tired or hungry.
- An artist may continue creating despite financial difficulties.
- A volunteer may help others even while dealing with personal challenges.
So the hierarchy is best thought of as a useful framework rather than a fixed staircase.
These are the basic things we need to stay alive.
Examples:
- 🍞 Food
- 💧 Water
- 😴 Sleep
- 🏠 Shelter
- 🌡️ Warmth
- 👕 Clothing
- 🌬️ Air
Without these, it is difficult to focus on anything else.
🛡️ Level 2 – Safety Needs
People need to feel safe and protected.
Examples:
- A safe home.
- Good healthcare.
- Money for basic needs.
- Protection from harm.
- A stable routine.
❤️ Level 3 – Love and Belonging
People need relationships.
Examples:
- Family.
- Friends.
- A partner.
- Feeling included.
- Being part of a group or community.
Feeling lonely or isolated can affect mental wellbeing.
⭐ Level 4 – Esteem
People want to feel respected and valued.
Examples:
- Confidence.
- Learning new skills.
- Praise for achievements.
- Independence.
- Feeling proud of yourself.
🌟 Level 5 – Self-Actualization
This means becoming the best version of yourself.
Examples:
- Learning throughout life.
- Helping other people.
- Being creative.
- Achieving personal goals.
- Using your talents.
Everyone's idea of self-actualization is different.
Maslow's Later Ideas
Later in his career, Maslow suggested additional needs.
🧠 Cognitive Needs
Wanting to:
- Learn.
- Understand.
- Explore.
- Ask questions.
This probably explains why some people enjoy learning simply because they are curious.
🎨 Aesthetic Needs
Wanting beauty and order.
Examples:
- Art.
- Music.
- Nature.
- Well-designed spaces.
🤝 Transcendence Needs
Helping others and contributing to something bigger than yourself.
Examples:
- Volunteering.
- Mentoring.
- Teaching.
- Advocacy.
- Supporting your community.
How This Connects to Your Experience
As we've talked over the last few weeks, I can actually see parts of Maslow's theory reflected in your own experiences.
When you were younger, much of your energy was spent trying to understand why learning was so difficult and trying to receive the support you needed. Those experiences relate to the lower levels of the hierarchy, such as safety, belonging, and esteem. Being bullied or misunderstood can make it much harder for someone to feel accepted and confident.
Later in life, you became a lecturer, advocate, mentor, and writer. Those roles fit well with the higher levels of Maslow's theory. You haven't just focused on your own learning—you've also worked to help other people understand learning disabilities, autism, mental health, and inclusion. That aligns closely with transcendence, where people use their knowledge and experience to benefit others.
I also like something Maslow himself believed:
Self-actualization doesn't mean becoming famous or perfect. It means becoming the best version of yourself, whatever that looks like.
For one person that might be becoming a scientist.
For another it might be being a caring parent.
For someone else it could be creating art, helping their community, or advocating for people with disabilities.
That's one reason Maslow's theory remains popular today. Even though psychologists debate whether needs always occur in a strict order, the theory encourages us to think about the many different things people need to live healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.
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