HUMAN BEINGS HAVE BASIC NEEDS
By Olivene Godfrey
Most of us regardless of how self-reliant we are, believe that, "No man is an island...", that we all have a need for other human beings in our lives. And, most of us need to be needed by at least one other person. I think there have been people who have literally died because they felt that no one in the world cared for them.
All human beings have basic psychological needs. When these needs aren't fulfilled, a deep-seated restlessness is produced which may develop into a deep depression. Often such persons may appear to be adapting well to their environment. Yet, inside there is a deep nagging, longing, because their psychological needs aren't being fulfilled.
The most important basic need is love. Even those who seem to hate everyone else have an inner desire for love. Everyone wants to receive the affection of at least one other person. To receive such affection makes us feel valuable and that we are important.
Love adds a warmth and richness to what is otherwise dull living.
Without love a person finds himself in a vacuum-experiencing emotions of distress, lonesomeness, and longing. And, these emotions are constantly with him- night and day.
Thousands of words have been written advising us how to find that most basic need- love. Not being a psychologist or a philosopher (except as an amateur who has a love for wisdom)
I don't pretend to know the answer. One psychologist tells us we should give more than our share of love and affection to others, and then we will be loved. Franklin wrote that, "if you want to be loved, be lovable".
While respect must be earned, love comes unbidden and therefore remains a mysterious force. We can't explain why we love. But, I believe that lasting love is known only by an act of self=denial.
Human beings are complex and need many things. Freud said that man wants most of all to be loved. Adler believed the most important need was that man feels he is significant. Then, Jung believed security was the most human basic need. All three are valid needs.
Because complete security is an impossible thing many people worry themselves into a state of insecurity about security.
They are sure disaster is just around the corner in one of its endless forms. And, such people, regardless of how little they actually have to worry about never know a feeling of security.
Another important need is for recognition. Everyone needs to feel that he and his efforts are appreciated, especially appreciated by those for whom they strive.
Sometimes a man may leave a very good position only because his efforts are not appreciated. Then, the housewife may sometimes feel that she is not appreciated. When you consider the amount of time she spends on the job, with work that never gets done, she has the toughest job in the world.
An important need is self-esteem. Those who lose all self-esteem may find themselves eventually in a manic - depressive state. To avoid such a state we should remember that everyone is special-that you are as good as I am; I am as good as you are, and we are as good as everybody else.
See you next time.
By Olivene Godfrey
Most of us regardless of how self-reliant we are, believe that, "No man is an island...", that we all have a need for other human beings in our lives. And, most of us need to be needed by at least one other person. I think there have been people who have literally died because they felt that no one in the world cared for them.
All human beings have basic psychological needs. When these needs aren't fulfilled, a deep-seated restlessness is produced which may develop into a deep depression. Often such persons may appear to be adapting well to their environment. Yet, inside there is a deep nagging, longing, because their psychological needs aren't being fulfilled.
The most important basic need is love. Even those who seem to hate everyone else have an inner desire for love. Everyone wants to receive the affection of at least one other person. To receive such affection makes us feel valuable and that we are important.
Love adds a warmth and richness to what is otherwise dull living.
Without love a person finds himself in a vacuum-experiencing emotions of distress, lonesomeness, and longing. And, these emotions are constantly with him- night and day.
Thousands of words have been written advising us how to find that most basic need- love. Not being a psychologist or a philosopher (except as an amateur who has a love for wisdom)
I don't pretend to know the answer. One psychologist tells us we should give more than our share of love and affection to others, and then we will be loved. Franklin wrote that, "if you want to be loved, be lovable".
While respect must be earned, love comes unbidden and therefore remains a mysterious force. We can't explain why we love. But, I believe that lasting love is known only by an act of self=denial.
Human beings are complex and need many things. Freud said that man wants most of all to be loved. Adler believed the most important need was that man feels he is significant. Then, Jung believed security was the most human basic need. All three are valid needs.
Because complete security is an impossible thing many people worry themselves into a state of insecurity about security.
They are sure disaster is just around the corner in one of its endless forms. And, such people, regardless of how little they actually have to worry about never know a feeling of security.
Another important need is for recognition. Everyone needs to feel that he and his efforts are appreciated, especially appreciated by those for whom they strive.
Sometimes a man may leave a very good position only because his efforts are not appreciated. Then, the housewife may sometimes feel that she is not appreciated. When you consider the amount of time she spends on the job, with work that never gets done, she has the toughest job in the world.
An important need is self-esteem. Those who lose all self-esteem may find themselves eventually in a manic - depressive state. To avoid such a state we should remember that everyone is special-that you are as good as I am; I am as good as you are, and we are as good as everybody else.
See you next time.
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