Sublime

When William James, the renowned American psychologist, said, “The deepest human need is to be appreciated,” he wasn’t making a casual heart-warming statement to soothe. Through decades of studying people, he saw the core emotional need we have is for our concerns and needs to be seen and acknowledged.

The elusive and commonly overlooked central factor is that there is a belief in being a ‘person’.

American psychologist Frederick Herzberg theorised that individuals are most motivated in their jobs when they are provided with ‘opportunities for achievement’.

Table 2.1: Richard Barrett's relationship of human needs to personal motivation Human need Personal motivation Spiritual 9. Service 8. Making a difference 7. Meaning Mental 6. Personal growth 5. Achievement Emotional 4. Self-esteem 3. Relationships Physical 2. Health 1. Safety

This focus on fulfilling the needs of others in order to earn worth necessitates finding friends and partners with obvious needs and who will never run out of needs to be fulfilled.

psychological health is predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

“During a peak experience,” Maslow explained, “the individual experiences an expansion of self, a sense of unity, and meaningfulness in life. The experience lingers in one’s consciousness and gives a sense of purpose, integration, self-determination and empathy.”