08.10.06

Maslow’s Hiearchy

Posted in General, Thoughts at 4:47 am by Nick

Edit: Links fixed. Twas in a rush and then stranded internetless for many days. And I’m lazy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow_hierarchy_of_needs

Brian recently brought this to my attention. I had previously never heard of the hierarchy (above), but it is yet another interesting subject to write about. It is one of the more optimistic psycological theories out there.

The hierarchy is relatively simple in theory. The needs towards the bottom are imparative, and once they are met a person can move on to the next set of needs. Most people are working on almost all levels simultaneously (except the top technically). Any needs that is pulled out closer to the bottom affects all above it. For example, if you cease to have access to water and food, you need to fix such a thing before you can continue with your self-esteem boosters.

All levels are basic needs except for the top. Basic needs can be met and neutralized, at which point they stop being a motivator in ones life. The top level, self-actualization and self-transcendance, is an enduring motivator. A continual search for growth, if you will.

What is self-actualization? According to Wikipedia, “Self-actualization (a term originated by Kurt Goldstein) is the instinctual need of humans to make the most of their unique abilities and to strive to be the best they can be”. Self-actualizers, according to Maslow, have the following traits:

• They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
• They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
• They are creative.
• They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
• They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
• They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority.
• They judge others without prejudice, in a way that can be termed objective.

Self-transcendance (also refered to as spiritual needs) is a bit different:

“Viktor Frankl expresses the relationship between self-actualization and self-transcendence in Man’s Search for Meaning. He writes:

The true meaning of life is to be found in the world rather than within man or his own psyche, as though it were a closed system….Human experience is essentially self-transcendence rather than self-actualization. Self-actualization is not a possible aim at all, for the simple reason that the more a man would strive for it, the more he would miss it…. In other words, self-actualization cannot be attained if it is made an end in itself, but only as a side effect of self-transcendence. (p.175)”

Wikipedia states, “Maslow believes that we should study and cultivate peak experiences as a way of providing a route to achieve personal growth, integration, and fulfillment. Peak experiences are unifying, and ego-transcending, bringing a sense of purpose to the individual and a sense of integration. Individuals most likely to have peak experiences are self-actualized, mature, healthy, and self-fulfilled. All individuals are capable of peak experiences. Those who do not have them somehow depress or deny them.”

I found the whole thing interesting as it was easy to compare myself from pre-junior year to now, and how everything that has happened over the last year as changed me. Rather than going through the long series of events that pretty much ripped apart the hierarchy and put it back togeather, I’ll just note that I currently feel satisfied on every level of the hierarchy. There is always room for growth, but I do not feel a lacking in any particular area, and that is wonderful. The only shaky foundation I feel I have is overall life stability; as things relating to my mothers death clear I’m sure this will get better. Let me tell you, it takes a lot to truly get to the top, but it feels good when you get there. Things are much clearer, and often simpler.

It seems that level two (the need for self-esteem) is hard to establish for many people. This is probably because a lot of it has to do with other people. If you are looking for self-esteem help, look to your friends. Also, find something you enjoy (a hobby) and pour energy into it. Work on something meaningful to you. Upon its completion you will get a large boost in self-esteem. As you work more and more people will recognize your talent and strength.

Analyze yourself. Where do you stand?

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I’m moving back to C.F. today! I’m pretty excited to be honest. I should go pack.

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