Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow was a psychologist who explored what people need to lead satisfying lives. His research helps us understand how civilizations develop, and his ideas, called humanistic psychology, guide doctors, counselors, teachers, and other professionals who help people.

Maslow studied what motivates people. He decided that people want to be happy and loving, but people often have unmet needs that prevent them from feeling satisfied. Maslow believed most people want more than they have. Once a person meets their most basic needs, they develop higher needs. Maslow said, “As one desire is satisfied, another pops up in its place.”

Maslow created a Hierarchy of Needs—a pyramid with five levels. He argued that once lower-level needs are met, people move upward until they reach a stage he called “self-actualization.” Here are the steps leading to that top level:

Physiological needs

These are biological necessities such as food, water, and oxygen. These needs are the strongest because a person cannot survive for long without them.

Safety needs

These are the needs that help people feel secure and protected in everyday life. They include safe housing, stability, and living in a community where people trust that laws and emergency services help keep them safe.

Love and belonging needs

These include the need to escape loneliness and isolation, to give and receive love, and to have a sense of belonging. Love and belonging needs are often met within a family or group of close friends.

Esteem needs

These are the needs to feel proud of yourself and respected by others. When people do not meet their esteem needs, they may feel unimportant or lack confidence.

Self-actualization needs

Maslow taught that a very small group of people reaches a level called self-actualization, where their needs are met. Maslow described this state as a person finding their “calling.” He said, “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, and a poet must write.”

Maslow believed people move up and down the hierarchy—sometimes even in the same day. You argue with a friend, or something at home throws you off balance. At other times, everything seems to click, and you feel confident, focused, and fully yourself. Maslow called these powerful moments peak experiences, when people come closest to self-actualization.

Many people confuse self-actualization with fame or fortune, but often this is not the case. While wealthy or celebrated people might reach self-actualization, many people who have reached the highest level of happiness are unknown beyond their circle of family and friends.

According to Maslow’s theory, people are motivated to improve their lives once their most basic needs are met. When people have enough food, feel safe, and live with some stability, they are more able to develop culture and build advanced civilizations.