Hierarchy Of Needs

Needs List

Physiological Needs

Oxygen (breath)
Food (starvation)
Water (hydration)
Shelter/Clothing (heat, exposure)
Sex
Sleep

Safety and Security

Health
Employment
Property
Family
Sociability

Love and Belonging

Friendship
Family
Intimacy
Connection

Self Esteem

Confidence
Achievement
Respect from others (status)
Individuation

Self Actualization

Morality (codifying norms)
Creativity
Spontaneity
Acceptance
Purpose
Meaning
Feeling of Inner Potential

Visuals

graph TD
    A[Self-Actualization] <--> B[Esteem]
    B <--> C[Love/Belonging]
    C <--> D[Safety]
    D <--> E[Physiological]

Discussion

Waterboarding (drowning) is such an effective torture because it attacks our most fundamental need, the base of the pillar. Nothing else matters when you’re drowning except oxygen.

See Also