Basic Needs

This is an extremely relative term. The basic needs of someone in the richer countries is very different to those of poorer countries. However, one of the best models is the Maslow Hierarchy of needs. As we need to limit growth as we are on a finite planet Maslow conveniently has separated his needs into two categories:

• Deficiency Needs - similar to vitamins in a person's diet, there are specific requirement a human needs to be able to survive.
  1. Physiological - food, water, air.
  2. Safety - protection from war, natural disaster, family violence, childhood abuse..
  3. Social - social groups belonging / tribe membership / local representation. Promote: Family Friendship Intimacy Trust Acceptance Receiving and giving love and affection
  4. Esteem - need for status, recognition, fame, prestige, and attention
• Growth Needs - these are more superfluous needs, whilst they are aspirational they are more of a goal to look forward to. If these needs were to be targetted to be met people would have nothing to work towards.
  1. Cognitive - creativity, foresight, curiosity, and meaning.
  2. Aesthetic - humans require beautiful imagery or novel and aesthetically pleasing experiences. Humans must immerse themselves in nature's splendor while paying close attention to and observing their surroundings in order to extract the world's beauty.