Chat with Student

Chat with Students

Phone call

Call

whatsapp

Whatsapp

mail

Email

Chat with Student

Chat with Students

Phone call

Call

whatsapp

Whatsapp

mail

Email

Share this article

The gist of what we have learnt from Maslow’s much acclaimed hierarchy of needs is this: People have different needs at different stages in their development. It starts from physiological, in which survival needs must be met. Then its about Safety, in which we must feel safe and secure. Then comes Social needs because of which we seek friendship, family, love and harmony. The fourth need is for recognition or self esteem where we want to be acknowledged and not be slighted or disrespected. Then comes the need for Self-Actualization, the need to realize one’s potential and become the best version of oneself. Later in his career, Maslow discussed a sixth level: transcendence, in which self-giving is supreme. This includes the quest to embrace the spiritual dimension of life on earth and beyond. Maslow termed the first four needs as “animal needs” and the next two as “higher needs”. According to him, the first 4 needs are felt by humans and animals alike while the next two are felt only by evolved developed humans. So far, so good. But the problem lies in his theory that the top of the hierarchy kicks in only if the other motivational needs are met. Simply put this translates into the argument that people get the urge to develop themselves and pursue goals greater than themselves if and only if all their other needs, i.e. the need for survival, safety, belonging and recognition are met. But we know that this argument is fragile as we are regularly exposed to people who despite having nothing, go all out to pursue worthy goals and help others. In many cases the first to help and the first to sacrifice are not those who have everything, but those who have nothing.

I believe that Maslow’s hierarchy encourages a materialistic school of thought. It indirectly suggests that one should pursue to fulfill higher motivations only once all animal needs are met. In other words, get into philanthropy after amassing enough wealth, relationships and fame. And I think that this school of thought has misguided many and have instilled in them a wrong set of priorities.

I think that all these needs exist within us and it’s our choice to pick and choose which one to pursue. If you pursue only animal needs, you might end up living a purposeless life. On other hand, if you neglect your animal needs you will not be fulfilling the responsibilities that you have towards yourself and the ones who depend on you. Pursue each and every need in a balanced way, would be my mantra for success and significance.


Dr. Sangeeth Ibrahim
Guest Faculty

Share this article

Enquiry Form

    [countrytext CountryAuto]

    Share this article

    Recommended Courses

    A brain drawing incorporating illumination symbolizing the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain.
    unimarconi logo

    Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain

    Triple Certification

    4 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    3D illustration of a yellow building with a man on top of it representing an Executive MBA program in Business Analytics.
    gmu

    Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement and Contracts Management

    Triple Certification

    4 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    A woman with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management holding a piece of jigsaw puzzle.
    unimarconi logo

    Postgraduate Diploma in Management

    Triple Certification

    4 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    An illustration of a man standing next to a truck emphasizing Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management.
    unimarconi logo

    Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management

    Triple Certification

    4 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    A woman with a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is standing next to a stack of money.
    unimarconi logo

    Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management

    Triple Certification

    4 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    A wooden globe with a group of people standing around it.
    CIQ

    International Marketing Management

    Triple Certification

    1 Month

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    A stack of wooden pegs used for executive MBA in project management on a white background.
    gmu
    CIQ Logo
    CMI Logo
    SQA

    EMBA – Project Management

    Triple Certification

    12 to 15 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    A group of executives running on a yellow background.
    gmu
    CIQ Logo
    CMI Logo
    SQA

    Master in Sports Management

    Triple Certification

    12 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    An executive MBA program specializing in supply chain and logistics management.
    gmu
    CIQ Logo
    CMI Logo
    SQA

    EMBA – Supply Chain and Logistics Management

    Triple Certification

    12 to 15 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    A graduation cap adorned with social media icons symbolizing the integration of digital marketing.
    gmu
    CIQ Logo
    CMI Logo
    SQA

    EMBA – Digital Marketing and Social Media

    Triple Certification

    12 to 15 Months

    Live Interactive Online Classes

    Previous
    Next