Beyond the Pyramid

Beyond the Pyramid: Rethinking Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

When I was in university, I learned about Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. Initially, based on my observations of society and the pyramid’s structure, I believed it to be true. However, my perspective changed as I experienced life firsthand.

Abraham Maslow studied individuals he considered self-actualized, such as Albert Einstein and Eleanor Roosevelt, along with people he encountered personally and professionally. He analysed their characteristics and behaviours to understand what drives human excellence and fulfilment. From his research, Maslow proposed that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, starting with basic physiological needs and moving up to self-actualization. This hierarchy is typically depicted as a pyramid with the following levels:

• Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs like food, water, and shelter.
• Safety Needs: Security, stability, and protection from harm.
• Love and Belongingness Needs: Social connections, love, and acceptance.
• Esteem Needs: Self-esteem, respect from others, and recognition.
• Self-Actualization Needs: Realising one’s full potential and achieving personal growth and fulfilment.

Over time, Maslow refined his theory and introduced additional concepts such as self-transcendence, which goes beyond self-actualization and involves a sense of connection to something greater than oneself.

Later in life, I discovered that his theory was based on Western individualistic values that prioritise personal achievement that lead to self-actualization, which may not align with collectivist cultures that emphasise community and social harmony. People from different cultural backgrounds prioritise needs differently. For example, in some cultures, social needs may be more fundamental than physiological needs.

Consider this: back in Africa, elders were revered not for their material possessions but for their wisdom and their deep care for the community. They selflessly shared whatever little they had, and in return, the community ensured they had food and water when they needed it. These elders embodied fulfilment even when their psychological needs were scarce. They led lives of profound happiness and contentment, showing that true respect and fulfilment come from the heart, not material wealth.

According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is the highest level of psychological development where an individual realises their full potential and becomes the best they can be. It involves achieving personal growth, self-fulfilment, and peak experiences.

However, I believe that self-actualization is a lifelong journey. As we navigate through different stages of life, we continuously evolve, discovering new aspects of ourselves and improving where necessary. Fulfilment can be achieved at any point in life. For instance, a child who discovers a remarkable talent can experience a deep sense of fulfilment as they nurture and develop their creative abilities. This fulfilment can enhance the child’s self-esteem and help them build meaningful relationships.

Self-actualization serves as the foundation for building meaningful relationships and developing a sense of belonging and safety. When someone does not feel fulfilled, the core of self-actualization, they struggle to form meaningful connections, find love, and feel a sense of belonging. This lack of fulfilment can lead to a negative outlook on life, impacting their surroundings and hindering their ability to support themselves as well as others in the community.

Self-actualization can occur at any time in one’s psychological life because it is a mindset shift—from focusing on unachieved goals to living in the moment with gratitude while improving on what one already possesses and values.

When one achieves self-actualization, they reach a state of profound fulfilment and have fully tapped into their creative potential. This elevated state of being allows them to approach life with a problem-solving mindset, enabling them to navigate challenges with resilience and innovation. As a result, they can secure their basic needs such as food, shelter, and security with greater ease and confidence.

Self-actualized individuals not only meet their own needs but also contribute positively to their communities. Their fulfilment and creativity inspire those around them, fostering a supportive and thriving environment. They become beacons of possibility, demonstrating that true success and happiness come from within. This inner fulfilment radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that elevates the well-being of their entire community.

In essence, self-actualization is not just a personal achievement; it is a catalyst for broader societal change. By reaching their highest potential, self-actualized individuals drive progress and inspire others to pursue their own paths of growth and fulfilment. This transformative journey underscores the profound impact of self-actualization on both the individual and the collective, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal growth and communal well-being.

By Yvonne Niwahereza.