Very interesting critique. By putting our highest virtues on top, Maslow inadvertently makes our utilitarian needs seem more important. Many religious traditions have sought to teach against this pattern of thought. In Christianity for example: “Man does not live by bread alone.” The implication of the alternative “goods” model you outlined is very interesting as it regards aesthetics. Would be great to see you develop this line of thinking further!
Thanks for your comment! I've been mulling this idea over for a while now. Then I saw Maslow's influence everywhere, and no one questioned whether it's actually a good way of thinking about human motivation.
Maslow's hierarchy was an explanation, not a prescription. "The fine arts were born in the agony of boredom." Because: by our surplus we could finally afford to be bored. Forgive me but this entire article derives from a misunderstanding.
I agree it's an explanation, not a prescription. I've mostly considered how Maslow framed it and how others have used it (at least implicitly), which I stated in the conclusion. When I discussed this use of Maslow, several people told me they see this in their practice in both law and business.
Wow. I guess I can see it — my cynic soul imagines the new tech brats (the Austin Lemmings) invoking Maslow to justify austerity or lean production or pick-your-euphemism for inhumane working conditions and negligent management. I'm trying to recall any other pithy observations that have been changed into mission statements. "Form follows function"?
Very interesting critique. By putting our highest virtues on top, Maslow inadvertently makes our utilitarian needs seem more important. Many religious traditions have sought to teach against this pattern of thought. In Christianity for example: “Man does not live by bread alone.” The implication of the alternative “goods” model you outlined is very interesting as it regards aesthetics. Would be great to see you develop this line of thinking further!
Thanks for your comment! I've been mulling this idea over for a while now. Then I saw Maslow's influence everywhere, and no one questioned whether it's actually a good way of thinking about human motivation.
I was finally encouraged to begin explaining it.
Maslow's hierarchy was an explanation, not a prescription. "The fine arts were born in the agony of boredom." Because: by our surplus we could finally afford to be bored. Forgive me but this entire article derives from a misunderstanding.
I agree it's an explanation, not a prescription. I've mostly considered how Maslow framed it and how others have used it (at least implicitly), which I stated in the conclusion. When I discussed this use of Maslow, several people told me they see this in their practice in both law and business.
Wow. I guess I can see it — my cynic soul imagines the new tech brats (the Austin Lemmings) invoking Maslow to justify austerity or lean production or pick-your-euphemism for inhumane working conditions and negligent management. I'm trying to recall any other pithy observations that have been changed into mission statements. "Form follows function"?