Needs and wants

Have you ever felt a deep, rumbling in your tummy that tells you it’s absolutely, positively time for a sandwich? Or a powerful thirst that makes a simple glass of water seem like the most wonderful thing in the world? That’s me, stirring inside you. But I’m also that other feeling, the one you get when you walk past a toy store and see the perfect, shiny new action figure in the window. It feels like you want it more than anything. But is it the same as that rumbling tummy? Not quite. One feeling is a must-have, something your body is calling out for. The other is a would-be-nice-to-have, something your heart is wishing for. I am that little voice that helps you feel the difference between what your body truly needs to be healthy and strong, and what your mind thinks would be fun to have. I help you decide what is important right now. I am the idea of Needs and Wants, and I live inside everyone.

For a long, long time, people all over the world felt my push and pull, but they didn't have a map to understand me. I was just a jumble of feelings and desires. Then, a very curious thinker named Abraham Maslow came along. He was like a people scientist. He spent his days wondering what truly makes people feel happy, safe, and motivated. He wanted to create a guide to help everyone understand my different parts. So, he watched, he listened, and he thought very hard. He realized that some of my parts were much more urgent than others. In his 1943 paper, “A Theory of Human Motivation,” he shared a brilliant idea. He imagined me as a giant pyramid. You can't build the top of a pyramid without a strong, sturdy bottom, right? He said my most important, fundamental parts are at the very base. These are the things every single person needs to survive: fresh air to breathe, healthy food to eat, clean water to drink, and a warm, safe place to sleep. Once you have those things, you can start building the next level of the pyramid. This level is all about feeling safe and protected from any danger. After that comes the need for love and belonging. This is where friends and family come in. It’s the wonderful feeling of being part of a team, getting a warm hug, and sharing secrets with a best friend. Above that is the need to feel proud of yourself, to know you are good at something. It’s the happy dance you do when you finally score a goal or finish a tricky puzzle. And at the very tippy-top of my pyramid? That’s the space for chasing your biggest dreams, being creative, and becoming the very best version of you.

Understanding me is like having a superpower for making smart choices every single day. When you get some birthday money, I’m the little voice that helps you decide. Should you spend it all on candy and toys right now, which are wants? Or should you save some for something you might need later, or for a bigger want you’ve been dreaming about for months? I help you see the whole picture. My pyramid helps grown-ups, too. It guides them when they create a budget, making sure there is enough money for the family’s needs—like groceries, a cozy home, and warm clothes—before they spend money on wants, like going to the movies or buying a new car. Best of all, my pyramid helps you be a good friend and neighbor. When you understand that every person has the same basic needs at the bottom of their pyramid, you can see why it’s so important to help others. This is why people donate to food banks or collect coats for the winter. They are helping others build a strong foundation. By listening to me, you learn to take care of yourself, help those around you, and build your own pyramid of happiness all the way to the top. What amazing things will you build?