Quote:
Originally posted by Ralph38449,
Malow's Heirarchy has it's flaws like Ericksons eight stages of life. But you have to admit that it does a good job at what it is trying to do. It is trying to map out life. From the physiological needs that must be provided to us. Next was safety in all forms which we need. Then love which most claim we need to lead to esteem. Then self-actulizaton. The problem is that the whole thing is to general to explain to someone so they understand. It's like explaining a shirt to someone, you say it's red, but it's maroon, it can creat the wrong picture.
But in the basic mapping of life... He was right.
And he also stated that very few peopl (one or two percent) actually reach the top. |
You made some very good points. It is more of a broad model. The top, self actualization, probably has what you may call a half-life of attainment.
The journey of course is not that neat. I would avoid calling it the mapping of life. People may have crisis at different level, which effect their well being and choices. One criteria I had for self actualization is that people suffer less and handle crisis and loses better.
There are three words that I use to describe emotional relationships on the different levels of Maslow's hierarchy, sympathetic, empathetic, and compathetic (new word).
Sympathetic relationships are strongly dependent selfish relationships. People tend react strongly to the emotions of others. I cry when you cry, I laugh when you laugh. Belonging to a group with similar beliefs is essential. There is often a strong drive to solve the problems of others and to view the world in the absolutes of black and white and good and evil. Friendships and relationship are highly dependent on circumstances and can change quickly. Change and flexibility in beliefs and phillosophy are not easy options in sympathetic relaionships.
Empathetic relationship are more detached and less dependent. This is the halfway house to compathy. Relationships have more flexibility and less emotional involvement. The person is more open to change and flexibility.
Compathetic relationships are detached but compassionate. Change and flexibility are important. Relationships are not dependent on fulfilling personal needs. There is more effort devoted to understanding and awareness than sorting choices as black and white or good and evil. There is less effort devoted to trying to solve problems of others and the world by direct action. Problem solving is done by collective efforts and consultation. People tend to maintain relationships with others from a wider range of beliefs and backgrounds.
'Compassion is like the earth, regardless of what you do, good, evil or indifferent, it is always there beneath your feet and recieves you in death.'
'The reflection of the moon is beautiful, but waver and change with the touch. In bad weather it is no longer there.'