Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a pyramid that outlines the different levels of needs a person has to meet for [[Self-Actualization]] It starts with primitive requirements that support physical survival and slowly progresses to more mental and spiritual needs.  However, there are some flaws to this description. I started reading Transcend by Scott Barry Kaufman, a book that provides a new framework for viewing Maslow's hierarchy of needs toward the new north star: transcendence. It's a generic testimonial for the book, but I enjoy how much it resonates with my own personal purpose: > “In an age focused on materialism and self-obsession, Kaufman boldly addresses the science of our deepest, most unanswered needs: connection, meaning, love, transcendence, and self-realization.” In his own words, Self-actualization is only a "bridge to transcendence" to work on something greater than ourselves by internalizing intense altruistic values. A bridge that never ends, as a fulfilling life is a process rather than a destination. To be so complete with your own personal needs and to have such a strong resolve to help the world that you don't need to care about yourself. Anyways, onto the new model. Given that I struggled to find in-depth resources on self-actualization, this book is going to be a gold mine 🤩 Our hierarchy of needs is akin to a boat in an ocean.  Instead of working our way up each step of a pyramid, we grow and spread our efforts by making progress in all areas at once. There is no required order to fulfill them either, as they all comprise to make a larger whole. One part is our foundation for security, which is comprised of "deficiency needs", needs where our motivation is based on insecurities or discontent. These include: - [[Safety]] - [[Intimacy]] - [[Self-esteem]] Unfortunately, > too many people get caught up in insecurity throughout their lives, and stay there, missing out on the immense beauty in the world that is still left to explore and the possibilities for their own self-actualization and, ultimately, transcendence. We miss the ocean for the waves. The sail provides direction into the uncertainty and vastness of life. Each person has their own boat and sail pointed to their own destinations. This includes: - [[Exploration]], the desire to seek out and make sense of novel, challenging, and uncertain events. - [[Purpose]] - [[Love]] Although there is no objective end destination, we'll have a transcendent vision to work towards.