190 - Maslow's Hierarchy is Burning
Ideally we all reach ‘self actualization’ at the top of the pyramid. But what happens if our lower blocks get sabotaged by our job? Or addiction? Or by society?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most widely accepted psychological models in self-improvement and corporate leadership. But what if we told you that the version of Maslow’s pyramid you’ve seen in textbooks and seminars is actually just corporate rebranding, and the iconic pyramid was drawn by a business guru?
This week we take a wrecking ball to the traditional idea that human needs are a simple step-by-step ladder to greatness. Instead, we argue that success is more fragile than we’ve been led to believe—because when one block of the hierarchy crumbles, the whole structure can come crashing down. First, we dive into the origins of Maslow’s theory and how a corporate professor turned it into the colorful pyramid that companies love to use as a management tool. Then we discuss the hidden flaws in the traditional model, and why human motivation isn’t as simple as “conquering” one step after the next.
What happens when safety, health, or stability get ripped out from under you? Can someone who has reached self-actualization suddenly lose it all? And why is society, and our jobs, built to weaken the lower needs?
We’ll also look at real-world examples of people who seemed to have climbed to the highest level of personal achievement—only to plummet back down due to financial ruin, mental health struggles, or life circumstances beyond their control. From artists like Vincent van Gogh to modern business moguls who fell from grace, we explore how losing key elements of Maslow’s hierarchy can turn even the most successful figures into cautionary tales. If success isn’t a linear path, then what’s the real way to achieve lasting fulfillment?
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlBG2ojDbQ8&t=1626s&ab_channel=Biography
https://scottbarrykaufman.com/who-created-maslows-iconic-pyramid/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz7Sp_O84JM&t=684s&ab_channel=HenrikG.S.Arvidsson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVFwAA17lmM&ab_channel=BigThink