Maslow

Who Was Abraham Maslow?

Abraham Maslow was a highly intelligent man who studied how people think, feel, and behave. He aimed to understand what makes people happy and how they can live their best and most meaningful lives. Born in 1908 in Brooklyn, New York, in the United States, he came from a family of Russian immigrants. Maslow was shy as a child and spent much of his time reading books. Later, he developed a keen interest in psychology, which is the study of the mind and human behaviour. He worked diligently to learn about these subjects and became one of the most renowned psychologists in history.

What Did He Do?

Maslow is best known for creating the concept known as the “Hierarchy of Needs”. This was his way of explaining what people require in life to feel happy, safe, and fulfilled. He believed that people have different kinds of needs, and some are more important than others. For example, if someone is hungry and doesn’t have enough to eat, they will worry about food first before they think about making friends or achieving significant goals.

Maslow suggested that once people meet their basic needs—such as having food, water, and a safe place to live—they can focus on other things, like building relationships with others, feeling positive about themselves, and engaging in activities they enjoy. He theorised that when people meet all of their needs, they can become the best version of themselves. This journey towards self-fulfilment is known as “self-actualisation”.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow explained his theory by using a pyramid to demonstrate his ideas, in other words our needs are like steps on the pyramid, starting from the bottom and moving upwards:

• Basic Needs: At the bottom of the pyramid are the essentials our bodies require to survive, such as food, water, air, and sleep.
• Safety Needs: Once our basic needs are satisfied, we seek to feel safe. This includes having a home, being healthy, and feeling protected from danger.
• Love and Belonging: After ensuring our safety, we desire friendship, family, and people who care about us. Feeling loved and accepted is vital.
• Esteem Needs: Next, we seek to feel good about ourselves, which encompasses performing well in school or at work and gaining respect from others.
• Self-Actualisation: At the top of the pyramid, individuals strive to become the best they can be. This might involve being creative, learning new skills, or assisting others.

Maslow noted that not everyone reaches the top of the pyramid, but everyone can endeavour to move closer to it by meeting their needs step by step.

Why Is He Important?

Maslow’s ideas are significant because they enhance our understanding of human behaviour. He demonstrated that everyone has needs, and when those needs are not fulfilled, it can impact their feelings and actions. For example, someone who is extremely hungry might lack the energy to form friendships or concentrate on their studies. Maslow’s work has been utilised by teachers, doctors, and counsellors to help individuals solve their problems and lead better lives.

His concepts have also been applied in businesses to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. For instance, companies that consider their employees’ needs—such as offering fair pay, creating safe workplaces, and fostering teamwork—tend to perform better because their staff feel appreciated and motivated.

When Did He Live?

Abraham Maslow was born on 1 April 1908 and passed away on 8 June 1970. Throughout his life, he worked as a professor and authored numerous books and articles on psychology. Although he is no longer alive, his ideas continue to be studied and applied worldwide. His work has helped millions of people understand themselves and others better.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs serves as a reminder that everyone has different needs, and by striving to meet those needs, we can all work towards living happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.