Thursday, October 19, 2017

Why The Stranger Messes with the Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs states that humans must have certain needs filled before we reach the best version of ourselves. The order reads as follows: Physiological (food, water, rest, warmth), Safety, Belonging and Love (intimate relationships, friends), Esteem (feeling of accomplishment), Self Actualization (achieving full potential).

Meursault does not have the traditional hierarchy of needs. One could argue that he literally has no need to feel accomplished or successful (Esteem). When he is asked if he wants a job in Paris, he turns it down. The potential to be successful is shut down, because he does not feel like he needs that in his life to be happy. Physiological needs are the most important to Meursault, seeing as he is constantly talking about the warmth of the sun, and the days he drinks coffee and smokes. When it comes to Belonging and Love, Marie, Raymond, and Masson may be the only people he has a connection with. Specifically Marie, because he has a strong physical connection to her that also unconsciously becomes an emotional attachment. Safety and Self Actualization are not even remotely on Meursault's radar.

So, instead of the traditional needs that Maslow created for all humans, Meursault's Hierarchy of Needs are in this order: Physiological, Belonging and Love, Safety, Esteem, Self Actualization.

No comments:

Post a Comment