needs intensity
In the dynamic version, needs overlap instead of expecting you to climb one tier at a time
Self-fulfillment Selfneeds actualization: achieving one’s full potential, including creative activities Esteem: prestige and accomplishment
personal development
Psychological needs
Belongingness and love: intimate relationships, friends Safety: physical security Physiological: food, water, warmth, rest
MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
Physiological needs
Esteem
Safety needs
Self-actualization
Love/belonging
ALL AT THE SAME TIME Basic needs
For almost the whole year in quarantine, I think, I’ve been seeing reminders from well-intentioned people that this is a pandemic and we are all operating at the bottom of the pyramid. It’s supposed to be a reminder to forgive yourself for not being as productive as Shakespeare or Isaac Newton were during their respective pandemics, but it also kind of dumbs down the fact that you can need to figure out how to get groceries and also need to write the next great American novel at the same time. Abraham Maslow proposed the idea of a hierarchy of needs but did not actually portray them in the shape of a pyramid. His idea is that individuals’ most basic needs must be met before they become motivated to achieve higher-level needs, but that’s why I like the dynamic model more. It gives everyone permission to not climb a linear path to transcendence. Posting the pyramid is a great reminder to acknowledge feeling anxious or tense and that a hot meal and shower could be the solution. But I want everyone to have permission to strive for constant betterment because humans are complex and can run parallel processes at the same time. You can need to see friends more than you need to eat. —MV
Happy first anniversary of lockdown!
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Art Department Weekly • March 23, 2021
