Maslow, Abraham

Abraham Maslow photograph via Wikipedia

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)  was an American psychologist who rejected behaviorism and Sigmund Freud‘s psychoanalysis by saying that goals and desires are premised on a hierarchy of needs.

According to Maslow, these needs – from most basic to highest – are:

1. Physiological (heat, food)
2. Safety and security (shelter, protection)
3. Belonging and love (relationships, community involvement)
4. Self-esteem (positive self-image, self-respect)
5. Self-actualization (leading to the pursuit of knowledge and an appreciation of beauty).

In studying several famous persons, Maslow concluded that so-called self-actualizers possess a highly “efficient” understanding of the world. He also observed that they could be ruthless in order to achieve their aims.

This view seems more in line with Plato‘s idea of the philosopher-king than with the Christian, Hindu or Buddhist ideal of mastering oneself by overcoming worldly cares and ultimately renouncing them in favor of transcendent goals.

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