Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

This is a very interesting theory of human needs. There are five levels to this pyramid theory, and once you read through, it makes perfect sense of the human priority list. At the very bottom of the list, the base needs, are such things as water, food, air, and a couple of others. These basic needs are not all equal though. A person can go weeks without food, but only a few days without water. So, human nature tells us to look for water before finding food. If you happened to be thirsty to the point of dehydration, but someone is cutting off your air supply, the need to breathe takes precedent. As you go up the pyramid, the needs become a little more specific. The next level discusses personal safety and shelter. The level after that, brings out the need for belonging. This means being a part of a family, a church, a fraternity, a community, etc. The fourth level discusses the need for gaining self respect and the respect of others. Self respect should come first because it cannot be lost as easy as respect from others. The first four levels are referred to as the 'need levels'. Once all of these needs are fulfilled, there is the desire for more. When one of these needs has been taken away, the human tendency is to go down the ladder to reacquire the basic needs. For instance, if all four levels of needs are met, but your house catches fire, the immediate need is safety. After everyone appears safe and accounted for, the next concern is shelter, and you climb your way back up the pyramid. The final level of the pyramid is the self actualization level. Once all other human needs are met, we tend to pursue Morality, Beauty, Unity, Creativity, Perfection, Completion, Justice, Simplicity, Richness, Playfulness, Self Sufficiency, and a few others. If you find yourself in poverty, these needs are secondary, and sometimes never considered for the fact you live from day to day. I know this was a deep subject, and 'yes' there will be a test! I didn't happen to find anywhere in his theory, the need for spirits, alcohol, libations, brew, or happy hour. Apparently a flawed theory:)