For the past decade, I'd been exclusively focused on self-actualization, having already secured all the lower levels of Maslow's hierarchy. But when Putin launched his war against Ukraine, my family and I became refugees overnight. This sudden change knocked us back to the pyramid's base, wiping out all our social capital and nearly all our financial resources.
Yet, the habit of pursuing self-actualization as my primary focus has become so deeply ingrained that even now, when I'm constantly grappling with basic survival needs, I still find myself dedicating time and energy to personal growth. To be honest, every time I have to deal with physiological needs or safety concerns - even when it's literally about survival - I can't shake the feeling that I'm being pulled away from what really matters (self-actualization).
Extrapolating from my personal experience to humanity at large, I suspect this might explain why we're so "lazy" and "reluctant" to address environmental issues. As a civilization, we've achieved such a high level of technological comfort that it's hard to focus on seemingly abstract threats. It seems the climate crisis will need to hit us more tangibly before we're jolted into real action.
Also just a gentle reminder that so many needed to be lifted out of poverty in the first place was because their peoples and lands were looted and colonized by some groups of us humans who felt they had the “needs” but only because they “wanted”.
There is an apparently perverse response to the prospect of great change. Perverse because it goes against the best interests of the people experiencing it but perhaps understandable from their perspective.
The demise of capitalism is taking away the sense of security that many derived from its largely unfulfilled promises but instead of a rational and clear-headed decision to admit to this demise and seek a better way those most greatly affected will seek to cling to the wreckage, blame easier targets and dream of a renaissance of the old ways.
While many of us are in the (currently) privileged position of getting by tolerably well we have the time and space to reflect because our basic needs are met. This isn't something we are likely to be able to do if we are struggling daily to survive.
I feel there are two parts to moving forward. The first is a very practical exercise in helping those in need to get the basics that would allow them to feel safer. The second is to weave a story that tells of a brighter future in which we value everyone and no one is left out and there is enough for all of us to live well and appreciate this beautiful planet.
Self-actualization also depends on having a sense of meaningful purpose. One can have all the essentials in Maslow's pyramid in modern society and still not reach that pinnacle. Sometimes deprivation and injustice creates purpose.
DEGROWTH, a new term for me, but I’ve always been a logical thinker…and I must say, it makes sense!
Will the citizens of earth ever have the leadership they need to battle these critical issues, thereby enabling them to support the actions necessary to save our planet? That to me is the most immense void we must traverse.
For the past decade, I'd been exclusively focused on self-actualization, having already secured all the lower levels of Maslow's hierarchy. But when Putin launched his war against Ukraine, my family and I became refugees overnight. This sudden change knocked us back to the pyramid's base, wiping out all our social capital and nearly all our financial resources.
Yet, the habit of pursuing self-actualization as my primary focus has become so deeply ingrained that even now, when I'm constantly grappling with basic survival needs, I still find myself dedicating time and energy to personal growth. To be honest, every time I have to deal with physiological needs or safety concerns - even when it's literally about survival - I can't shake the feeling that I'm being pulled away from what really matters (self-actualization).
Extrapolating from my personal experience to humanity at large, I suspect this might explain why we're so "lazy" and "reluctant" to address environmental issues. As a civilization, we've achieved such a high level of technological comfort that it's hard to focus on seemingly abstract threats. It seems the climate crisis will need to hit us more tangibly before we're jolted into real action.
In agreement with your final paragraph, I just heard a song the other day called Victims of Comfort by Keb Mo. Lyrics at:
https://www.google.com/search?q=song+Victims+of+Comfort&sca_esv=8536d3cccb765549&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ADLYWII6zxzltbd7keNZe4bybxj6i6J7Aw%3A1727476536232&source=hp&ei=ODP3ZtXhC5Cjur8Pwffz8AM&iflsig=AL9hbdgAAAAAZvdBSGqiWrXRL-lVzYwjTtZHJ37VRRuK&ved=0ahUKEwjV3bDKl-SIAxWQke4BHcH7HD4Q4dUDCBg&uact=5&oq=song+Victims+of+Comfort&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ihdzb25nIFZpY3RpbXMgb2YgQ29tZm9ydDIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSNMpUABYmCVwAHgAkAEAmAGIAaAB2gWqAQMwLja4AQPIAQD4AQH4AQKYAgagAosGwgIEECMYJ8ICChAjGIAEGCcYigXCAhEQLhiABBixAxjRAxiDARjHAcICDhAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGMcBwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwHCAgsQLhiABBjRAxjHAcICCxAuGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAg4QABiABBixAxiDARiKBcICCBAuGIAEGLEDwgIFEAAYgATCAgUQLhiABJgDAJIHAzAuNqAH1UM&sclient=gws-wiz#wptab=si:ACC90nxRWvuwqTR4TiacZ7sCfkHhcGgWdDOv2v2HxpHAAuIhwd0hqVQcoOD2_2OWmYVP1phs0RgR9BHW59ovFIBbtPHq22JygtVCv2i7gzDI6pglLfPMfhvpUQV7Ko3ZnZmYfeDWUtoSV8pvyPciibr8Kw4HgRAZfIlurE0VnhGvWi91Ir27UR0%3D
Also just a gentle reminder that so many needed to be lifted out of poverty in the first place was because their peoples and lands were looted and colonized by some groups of us humans who felt they had the “needs” but only because they “wanted”.
There is an apparently perverse response to the prospect of great change. Perverse because it goes against the best interests of the people experiencing it but perhaps understandable from their perspective.
The demise of capitalism is taking away the sense of security that many derived from its largely unfulfilled promises but instead of a rational and clear-headed decision to admit to this demise and seek a better way those most greatly affected will seek to cling to the wreckage, blame easier targets and dream of a renaissance of the old ways.
While many of us are in the (currently) privileged position of getting by tolerably well we have the time and space to reflect because our basic needs are met. This isn't something we are likely to be able to do if we are struggling daily to survive.
I feel there are two parts to moving forward. The first is a very practical exercise in helping those in need to get the basics that would allow them to feel safer. The second is to weave a story that tells of a brighter future in which we value everyone and no one is left out and there is enough for all of us to live well and appreciate this beautiful planet.
I couldn’t have said it better Richard. Thank you.
Self-actualization also depends on having a sense of meaningful purpose. One can have all the essentials in Maslow's pyramid in modern society and still not reach that pinnacle. Sometimes deprivation and injustice creates purpose.
I think the MAGATS chopped off the top of their pyramid.
DEGROWTH, a new term for me, but I’ve always been a logical thinker…and I must say, it makes sense!
Will the citizens of earth ever have the leadership they need to battle these critical issues, thereby enabling them to support the actions necessary to save our planet? That to me is the most immense void we must traverse.