Originally published
If you need a refresher on Maslow’s pyramid, it’s got five levels:
5. Self Actualization
Skill- and value-based concerns like morality, creativity, problem solving, acceptance of facts, etc.
4. Self-esteem
Individual achievements, mutual respect, which inoculate our self-confidence and boost our morale.
3. Love & Belonging
Emotional support, affection, and social recognition, which keep us happy, calm and saner.
2. Safety
Security in our selves, jobs, resources, family, property, assets, etc.
1. Physiology
Basic existential requirements like food, clothing and shelter. Of utmost importance.
In reality: the pyramid levels are much less distinct
Individual achievements are often skill- and value-based. Feeling secure in our “jobs” (AKA primary income-earning method) is inexorably tied to our physiological needs because, in a culture based on economic growth & currency, we are focused on earning income to pay for our needs rather than bringing our most valuable contributions to the world.
Rearranging Maslow’s pyramid levels
I propose the following structure:
Self Actualization & Esteem
Work: Careers/vocations
Love: Self-love
Belonging & Psychological Security
Love: Family, friends groups, communities, “tribes”
Work: “Day jobs” & other kinds of work (chores) that are not necessarily satisfying, the stuff we’d stop doing we didn’t need to earn an income
Mental health
Survival & Physical Safety
Basic physiological needs
Food, water, air, protection from the elements
Resources to survive, like weapons (not in security)
What’s getting in the way of…
Physiological needs?
Abundance of resources aren’t efficiently distributed (capitalism/profit-based problem)
Material security?
Cost of living has gotten too high (capitalism/profit-based problem)
Most accessible jobs don’t or can’t pay “a living wage” (education problem)
Love & belonging?
People don’t know how to build conscious relationships very effectively (p2p relationship problem)
People aren’t hearing about local communities (b2c distribution problem)
Esteem?
??? bullying / lack of social support? Is this actually part of love & belonging?
Self-actualization?
People don’t know how to go from “work that pays the bills” to “work that fulfills me” (education & network problem)
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