Human Common Fundamental Needs

Subsistence & Security

Physical Needs

• Air
• Food
• Health
• Movement
• Physical Safety
• Rest / sleep
• Shelter
• Touch
• Water
• Sex

Security

• Consistency
• Order/Structure
• Peace (external)
• Peace of mind
• Protection
• Safety (emotional)
• Stability
• Trust

Freedom

Autonomy

• Choice
• Ease
• Independence
• Power
• Self-responsibility
• Space
• Spontaneity

Leisure & Relaxation

• Humor
• Joy
• Fun / Play
• Pleasure
• Rejuvenation
• Stimulation

Connection

Affection

• Appreciation
• Attention
• Closeness
• Comfort
• Companionship
• Friendship
• Harmony
• Intimacy
• Love
• Nurturing
• Support
• Tenderness
• Warmth

To Matter

• Acceptance
• Care
• Compassion
• Consideration
• Empathy
• Kindness
• Mutual Recognition
• Respect
• To be heard, seen
• To be known, understood
• To be trusted
• Understanding others

Community

• Belonging
• Communication
• Cooperation
• Equality
• Inclusion
• Mutuality
• Participation
• Partnership
• Self-expression
• Sharing

Meaning

Sense of Self

• Authenticity
• Competence
• Consciousness
• Creativity
• Dignity
• Growth
• Healing
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Self-acceptance
• Self-care
• Self-connection
• Self-knowledge
• Self-realization
• Mattering to myself

Understanding

• Awareness
• Clarity
• Discovery
• Learning
• Making sense of life

Engaging with the World

• Aliveness
• Challenge
• Contribution
• Creativity
• Effectiveness
• Exploration
• Integration
• Purpose

Transcendence

• Beauty
• Celebration
• Flow
• Hope
• Inspiration
• Mourning
• Peace (internal)
• Presence