Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) is most well known for his hierarchy of human needs, which is the culmination of of his Humanistic theory of Psychology. Maslow's hierarchy of human needs contained six levels, of which the lower needed to be satisfied before one could satisfy the next. These needs are as follows(from most basic to least basic):

1. The lowest level of needs on the hierarchy is physiological needs; those basic needs we must fulfill in order to survive and maintain basic quality of life. These include needs such as food, water, oxygen, sex, sleep, etc.
2. The second level of needs is referred to as Safety; this refers to the need for security and stability in ones life. Includes such needs as stable health, secure employment, stable resources, morality, sense of physical safety, etc.
3. The third level of needs is a sense of Loving and Belonging; this is the need for relationships with other people. Particularly family relationships, friendly relationships, and intimate relationships.
4. The fourth level of needs is a sense Esteem; this refers to the need for self-esteem, respect of and for others, confidence, and achievement.
5. The fifth and highest level of needs in Maslow's hierarchy is the need for Self-Actualization; this is the need for creativity, morality, coherent/consistent worldviews, and importantly purpose, etc.

Beyond his hierarchy of human needs, Maslow also posited a final possible state. Once having achieved actualization, Maslow predicted that some may enter a state of transcendence or peak experience, were no further progress is possible. Not only are these individuals aware of their own actualization, they are also aware of the fullest potential of humanity as a whole. Goals of individual progress cease, as no further individual progress is possible, and a shift of needs from the individual to the needs of humanity occurs. Those in this transcendent state desire to see the actualization of humanity as a whole. While in this state of transcendence, one feels a sense of great happiness and unity with reality. A sense of ultimate truth and purpose is accomplished.

Maslows hierarchy of human needs bares a striking resemblance to Taoism and Zen-Buddhism. We all three seek to undergo a process of self betterment, eventually riding one's self of the pressures of society.

The following link is to the work of Maslow titled A Theory of Human Motivation. This article explains the intricacies of Maslow's hierarchy of human needs.

http://psychclassics.asu.edu/Maslow/motivation.htm