The Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow)

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological framework that outlines human motivation in a five-tier pyramid. At the base are physiological needs (food, water, shelter), followed by safety needs (security and stability). Next are social needs (friendship and belonging), then esteem needs (self-respect and recognition). At the top is self-actualization, where individuals pursue personal growth and fulfillment. According to Maslow, people must satisfy lower-level needs before they can focus on higher-level needs, emphasizing that motivation is driven by the fulfillment of these needs in order to achieve overall well-being and personal development.