You mentioned that the word "need" could be replaced. Additionally, I always think that the word "hierarchy" needs to be replaced (or just be erased). On a very basic and uninteresting level, we need food and water to survive. But what kind of life is that? After all, they have those very basic needs met in prison (more or less).
Some philosophers refer to these kinds of things (like health, friendship, knowledge, and aesthetic experience) as basic human goods because they help human beings flourish. And they are not hierarchical.
I agree. I’m deeply immersed in white feminism and patriarchy studies right now and the thing that jumped out right away is the hierarchical nature of Maslow’s work. Why can’t it be a continuum or a spectrum?
A conundrum indeed. I don’t claim to have any of the answers, but I do know a thing or two about the endless striving. Most of us are looking for meaning— some thing we need to find within ourselves. And yet we keep believing that we can find it on the outside
One of the very few essays I read today that were this clear and concise with their thought process.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has been a revolutionary theory in the economic and business landscape. But the closer you examine it, you realize how much philosophical elements & self governing principle this simple triangle can cover.
It is also one of the very few reasons I stopped bothering about equipment and started focusing on the action - outcome requirements. You don't always need new stuff.
Our potential is not found in desperation or longing, this is so true. Occasionally when we find ourselves sliding toward that yucky ache it's helpful to have clarity on why we are doing what we are doing in the first place.
“It would be as if a king sent you to a village on a specific mission. If you went and performed a hundred other tasks, but neglected to accomplish the task for which you were sent, it would be as though you had done nothing.”
I’m convinced we come to earth with a specific mission. It’s written into the very essence of us. The tricky part is we not only forget what that mission is when we arrive on earth but also there is a myriad of voices (wants) calling us to just about everything but our mission!
You’re correct! Finding our true identity is not easy. I think you’re right. Society and its success measuring stick creates confusion of what our needs, and wants are and what potential they offer.
Thanks for another challenging invitation to look beneath the façade to the deeper reality waiting to be discovered.
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of self-actualization and how it can be so obscure and hard to attain. Like you say here, it takes time and thought and some trial and error to even determine where our potential lies.
For me, I look for the things that make me feel lighter, more connected, less stuck in my own mind: writing, helping people learn, supporting those who need a little more support. I turn toward those things when I can.
If we could focus as a society on item V for all (without some kind of authoritarian regime eliminating freedoms), think of the enormous potential! Always great nutrition for the mind in these posts, Jen.
I don't think "middle-class and well-to-do people" have a corner on wanting to belong to something or be loved/liked/accepted. Eternity is in the heart of everyone, and that is the seed of longing, longing for all kinds of things. There's a simple Answer to it all. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
What a clear and strong essay! I indeed feel most content when I recognize some needs as wants and can let them go.
Thank you, Claire 🙏
You mentioned that the word "need" could be replaced. Additionally, I always think that the word "hierarchy" needs to be replaced (or just be erased). On a very basic and uninteresting level, we need food and water to survive. But what kind of life is that? After all, they have those very basic needs met in prison (more or less).
Some philosophers refer to these kinds of things (like health, friendship, knowledge, and aesthetic experience) as basic human goods because they help human beings flourish. And they are not hierarchical.
Absolutely. Thank you for this, Michael!
I agree. I’m deeply immersed in white feminism and patriarchy studies right now and the thing that jumped out right away is the hierarchical nature of Maslow’s work. Why can’t it be a continuum or a spectrum?
Really Stoic.
The Stoic Philosophers also put an emphasis on living a "minimal" lifestyle. They knew that desire kills.
The way one reaches "eudaimonia" (Greek word for the "good life"), is by following the Stoic virtues: courage, self-control, wisdom and justice.
Love this. Thank you, Nibir!
The “cost” of acquiring the four “things”
in your conclusion is no mere trifle.
Each requires considerable specific work and/or effort.
This week I reread that book on the Tao which suggests leaving things “undone.”
Ha!
Or, Henry Miller who once wrote that the enlightened man knows how “to do nothing.”
Ha!
How to reconcile their sage advice with the cost of living in expensive urban Northern California is a conundrum to me.
A conundrum indeed. I don’t claim to have any of the answers, but I do know a thing or two about the endless striving. Most of us are looking for meaning— some thing we need to find within ourselves. And yet we keep believing that we can find it on the outside
I recommend reading Anne Lamont’s 2003 commencement speech at UC Berkeley.
She wrote well about what we seek is inside.
Oh wow! I’ll definitely check that out. I love Anne’s mind. Thank you, Lynda!
One of the very few essays I read today that were this clear and concise with their thought process.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has been a revolutionary theory in the economic and business landscape. But the closer you examine it, you realize how much philosophical elements & self governing principle this simple triangle can cover.
It is also one of the very few reasons I stopped bothering about equipment and started focusing on the action - outcome requirements. You don't always need new stuff.
Exactly. 🙏
Thank you, Sudhanshu!
Our potential is not found in desperation or longing, this is so true. Occasionally when we find ourselves sliding toward that yucky ache it's helpful to have clarity on why we are doing what we are doing in the first place.
🙏
This is Inspiring 😇
🤗
I thoroughly enjoy your reflections and find myself reflecting on my life. Thank you for writing ✍️
Thank you so much, Sheila!
Thank you ☺️💚
Rumi said…
“It would be as if a king sent you to a village on a specific mission. If you went and performed a hundred other tasks, but neglected to accomplish the task for which you were sent, it would be as though you had done nothing.”
I’m convinced we come to earth with a specific mission. It’s written into the very essence of us. The tricky part is we not only forget what that mission is when we arrive on earth but also there is a myriad of voices (wants) calling us to just about everything but our mission!
You’re correct! Finding our true identity is not easy. I think you’re right. Society and its success measuring stick creates confusion of what our needs, and wants are and what potential they offer.
Thanks for another challenging invitation to look beneath the façade to the deeper reality waiting to be discovered.
I love this, Wayne. Your wisdom is enlightening. 🙏
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of self-actualization and how it can be so obscure and hard to attain. Like you say here, it takes time and thought and some trial and error to even determine where our potential lies.
For me, I look for the things that make me feel lighter, more connected, less stuck in my own mind: writing, helping people learn, supporting those who need a little more support. I turn toward those things when I can.
Thank you for this thought-provoking work ✨
Thank you so much, Rose! I appreciate you
Wisdom defined 💎
🙏
If we could focus as a society on item V for all (without some kind of authoritarian regime eliminating freedoms), think of the enormous potential! Always great nutrition for the mind in these posts, Jen.
I appreciate you! Thank you so much, Renato!
I don't think "middle-class and well-to-do people" have a corner on wanting to belong to something or be loved/liked/accepted. Eternity is in the heart of everyone, and that is the seed of longing, longing for all kinds of things. There's a simple Answer to it all. Thanks for the thought-provoking post.
Thank you, Mary!
Excellent!!!!
🤗
This was exactly the right message at exactly the right time for me. Thanks so much for sharing and for your always helpful ideas.
Thank you, Dan!
I’d also suggest exploring the work of Scott Barry Kaufman https://substack.com/@beautifulminds
Will do!