Theories

As I mentioned before, Freud's drive theory incorporates motivation. Another such theory is Maslow's heirarchy of needs theory. Kendra Cherry stated, "The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the more complex needs are located at the top of the pyramid.(Cherry,2009). The needs laid out in Maslow's theory involve the intrinsic drive that humans have. At the top of the pyramid is the need for "self-actualization", or the need to become our full potential. Then comes the esteem need in which people strive to feel good about themselves. Further down the pyramid is love and belonging. As humans we have a need to belong to a group and be loved by other humans. Safety needs comes next, almost to the bottom of the pyramid. Years ago, humans had to seek safety from animals,etc. Now humans seek safety from cars, locked doors at home, etc. And at the bottom of the pyramid are the physiological needs. This is the base of the pyramid because it is the broadest and most important human intrinsic need. This need must be met in order for a human to move up the pyramid. These needs include food, water, and shelter. When we think back to the tragedy in New Orleans, we can think about those people who were lacking food, water and shelter. They certainly had no concern at that point for self esteem, love and belonging, or reaching thier full potential. They had to meet the needs at the bottom of the pyramid before they could move up.