Hierarchy of Needs (Abraham Maslow)

Recently I addicted with PC game called The Sims 4. I believe most people have already heard about this game, it's a popular game with worldwide reputation. But oddly for me, after days by days playing The Sims, I become curious to get to know how the game-makers get the idea to create this game. I once learned Psychology and familiar with some of Psychology theories. But what makes it interesting is that I think the game's main idea is -more or less- quite relevant with "Hierarchy of Needs" theory formulated by Abraham Maslow. Although, I'm not entirely sure this is where the game-makers get their big idea.

So I try to research and recalls the theory.

In the 1940, a Psychologist name Abraham Maslow challenges old idea of Psychology with a revolution reclaim. He claimed that all humans are inherently good. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of human psychology, Maslow focuses more on the positive. He focused on the potential of each person. He claimed that humans are motivated to reach their fullest potential. In fact, he believes that the ultimate goal of living, is to grow as a person and to become the best person one can be. He called this self-actualization.

Self-actualization means to reach one's fullest potential, to live the life one's wants to live and to live a meaningful life. Maslow believe that humans can grow to become the best they can be as long as their personal needs were met, and they were given opportunities and support along the way. In his writings, he describes the hierarchy of needs that every human experiences as they working towards reaching their highest potential. This hierarchy of needs provides a theory of human motivation, and it's Maslow best-known contribution to Psychology.

It's represented as a pyramid, and each level of the Pyramid represent the difference needs of human as they develop. At the top is Self-actualization, the fullest potential which human would reach only if the other needs below are met first. Maslow hierarchy needs based on five levels as you can see in the picture below.

Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs (courtesy of  verywellmind.com)

Physiological needs. Every human has the most basic needs of food, oxygen, water and sleep. They are the strongest needs, and according to this theory if these needs are not met then higher needs will not be recognized.

Safety needs. Once physiological needs are met, a person feels to need for safety and security. Such need might be fulfilled by living in safe area, being a citizen of a country with a stable government, having medical insurance, obtaining job security and having a saving account and financial stability.

Needs of love, affection and friendship. The third layer of human needs is Social needs. Such as love, affection and the feeling of belonging. Maslow stated that humans need to feel accepted and be part of the group. They need to love and to be loved. Otherwise, they may feel lonely and isolated.

Esteem needs, human have a needs of self-respect and respect from others. When these needs are satisfied, the person feels a healthy-confidence and valued their contribution to their community.

Self-actualization, when the other bottom four level of needs are satisfied. Then, the person experiences the needs for Self-actualization. Maslow describe Self-actualization as a person needs to be and do that which the person was born to do. It's the quest of one's reaching full potential as a person. Unlike lower level needs, this needs is never fully satisfy, as we grow psychologically, there are always new opportunities to continue to grow. Maslow claims that the person who has reach Self-actualization will encompass some of the following qualities. They look for those opportunities, which helps them grow as person. They act in a way, which is true to themselves, they embrace reality and facts rather than denying the truth. They experience what Maslow call Peak Experiences --Moments when they more aware of themselves and the world--.

During such times, they think, act and feel most clearly and accurately. They are more loving and accepting of others. Have less in conflict and anxiety, and they are better able to put their energy to constructive use. They are accepting of themselves and others, and lack prejudice.

Self-actualization is the ultimate goal, a person who has reach this level, has achieved complete understanding of the self. To be Self-actualize means to  truly know who you are, where you belong in the greatest society and to feel like you are accomplishing all that you meant to be. It means to no longer feel shame, guilt or even hate, but to accept the world and see human nature as inherently good.

According to Maslow, many people reach this level, but very few that has ever master it. Lesson that we can learn, think about our needs, where do we stand according to the pyramid, are all our personal needs are being met?, because everyone has the potential to be the best they can be. What we need to do is to figured out what's on our way and soon we'll be able to reach our highest potential.