In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced a theory that continues to shape how we understand human motivation: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs . Often illustrated as a pyramid, the model proposes that human beings are motivated by layered needs that build upon one another—from survival at the base to growth and fulfillment at the top. While simple in structure, the hierarchy offers a powerful lens for understanding behavior, emotional distress, and the pacing of therapy. It