No college business class would be complete without a mention of Abraham Maslow and his theory of motivation. The hierarchy of needs is an idea in psychology proposed by Maslow in his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation.” This theory suggests that actions are motivated by certain physiological needs, which are represented by a pyramid with five categories. The bottom category, which is the largest at the base of the pyramid, consists of our basic needs as humans for food, shelter, and warmth. More complex needs, such as self-esteem or self-actualization, are at the very top of the pyramid. The basis of the theory is that as human beings, we are motivated by our needs, and cannot progress up the pyramid until our most basic needs are met.
In today’s modern world, it’s easy to get wants confused with needs. We want the latest phone, but we say we need one. We want a new big-screen TV but suddenly we need one. I want a new Coach purse, but I say that I need one. I try to remind myself that there are actually places in the world where drinking water is a very basic need that is at risk daily. I think about this when I throw half my water bottle away because it is no longer cold. Remember when your mom would tell you to clean your plate because people all over the world are starving? I recall my usual snarky reply: “Well, send my plate over to them.” That kind of response screams of overindulgence, but it wasn’t said to be mean-spirited. As kids, we were sometimes not aware of how much we actually had, and yet we still wanted (needed?) more.
This next poem deals with these wants and needs as they relate to today’s modern world, as well as just trying to do the best we can. We could probably all do a little more, like volunteering or contributing to charity, but downtime is also a very real need, especially these days in this hectic world. There are some weekends where I binge Netflix and then feel guilty that I didn’t accomplish more, but I feel that is what my soul needed at the time, and that’s important too. I believe we all try to do the best we can to not be selfish or greedy; but let’s face it, sometimes we all just need a good shopping spree!
Wants and Needs
There are many things I want in life,
And many things I need.
I try to focus on good thoughts
And plant them like a seed.
But some days I really struggle,
And those days are swim or sink.
I try to do the best I can,
Despite what others think.
I try to do the things I should,
Like getting proper rest.
But all those thoughts inside my head
Really put me to the test.
I try to keep my health in check
And walk a narrow line.
But sometimes I crave those french fries,
And I can drink too much wine.
I try to focus not on wants,
But more on what I need.
I try to avoid too many things,
Lest I embrace the greed.
But sometimes there’s that brand-new bag
Or shiny pair of shoes,
And often that is just the thing
To chase away the blues.
But those indulgences do pay a price
As guilt can settle in.
I realize, through sleepless nights,
The choice was not a win.
I should give more to charity.
I should volunteer.
Surely I can do some good,
And I have some skills to share.
But there always seems to be something else
To occupy my day,
Like reading in my favorite chair
While the hours tick away.
I tell myself that it’s okay
To take time to moderate.
Sometimes a little downtime
Can help our mental state.
At times that means indulging
In those “wants” we think we “need,”
For sometimes there’s a hunger
That only “wants” can feed.
There is time enough to tend to needs
And do the things we should.
But now I’m going shopping,
And darn, that feels good!
-K.A. Bloch-
