People have always been in need.
But there are needs without which they would not survive as humans.
One man I’ve grown to like is Abraham Maslow. I wish to stick my neck out and say that he proved that most of the problems we have in this world are psychological. Maslow was a psychologist who propounded the theory of the hierarchy of needs.
One would have thought that with the world being a global village, our being in the digital age and improving science, Maslow’s theory should have been a thing of the past.
In simple terms, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory comprising a five-tier of human needs. Some call it hierarchical levels within a pyramid.
At the lowest level are physiological needs, like food, water, warmth and rest. Next is safety needs, like security and safety. On the third level is belongingness and love needs which are made up of intimate relationships and friends.
On the fourth level, we have esteem needs like prestige and a feeling of accomplishment. On the very top level is self-actualization, which is achieving one’s full potential, including creative activities.
Now, let’s come to the present moment. What is the percentage of the global population that could be said to have fully scaled level one? Incidentally, the stages overlap. For instance, our need for food, water, warmth, and rest does not mean we don’t need security.
But with the insecurity in the world, hunger/starvation, preference to spend resources on arms instead of food, and demolition of houses in times of conflict while there is a global shortage of homes, where are we?
Are we our friends or enemies?
According to the United Nations, there are enough bullets to kill twice the number of inhabitants on planet Earth.
Let’s make our world a better place to live in!
