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In 1943, the paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” was published in Psychological Review. A ripple of effects came after that lasted throughout time and its impact can be seen across multiple industries. Abraham Maslow, the author of the paper, proposed a theory named the “Hierarchy of Needs”, cementing his name in the world of human psychology.
Maslow’s theory was not entirely unique; there were other human development models that were designed to explain a human’s innate desire. Instead, he classified humans in a way that reflected the universal needs of society at its base, then proceeding to more acquired emotions.
In 1954, the theory was further expounded in his book Motivation and Personality.
Today, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is often represented with a pyramid, insinuating that humans are meant to achieve the highest level. It is a popular model to explain human behavior and psychology, hence being present in many marketing and management studies across the globe. Millions of students have came across it, and millions more have brought into the workforce.
However, the pyramid was not created by Maslow, nor is it accurate and complete.
