QC

idk quite how to put this into words yet but maslow’s hierarchy is super a product of its time. the idea that material abundance is a prerequisite to self actualization is so classic post-industrial 20th century comfy man thought as if no pre-modern ppl could’ve self-actualized

also the idea of self-actualization as something an atomized individual does on their own is SO 20th century comfy man thought

disclaimer: i haven’t actually read Maslow so idk what he really said i am responding to whatever caricature of him was passed down to me thru culture need some way of denoting that i mean Maslow the stereotype rather than Maslow the OG writer

here's a thread I did on him a while back: https://twitter.com/simpolism/status/945353915478020097 … but I want to give specific feedback here too

1. Maslow's definition of hunger is "literally dying of hunger" not "wah I'm hungry" 2. Consider that it's a theory of _motivation_, so Maslow's asking "what motives actions?" rather than looking at concrete goals 3. Self-actualization comes above social needs for a reason.

I'd suggest giving it a read, even if just for the cultural context. It's more nuanced than the pop memes would lead you to believe, and pretty readable.

ok i trust your rec mr. question mark man

*tips question mark*