Hesses Siddhartha as it Parallels Maslows Hierarchy of...

Hesses Siddhartha as it Parallels Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Several parallels can be drawn between the psychologist Abraham Maslows theoretical hierarchy of needs and the spiritual journey of Siddhartha, the eponymous main character in Herman Hesses novel. Maslows hierarchy of needs is somewhat of a pyramid that is divided into eight stages of need through which one progresses throughout ones entire life. During the course of his lifetime, Siddharthas personality develops in a manner congruent with the stages of Maslows hierarchy. Siddharthas progress from each of the major sections of the hierarchy is marked by a sharp change in his life or behavior. Siddhartha is the story of a young mans journey in search of†¦show more content†¦He specialized in the study of human personality and development. One of his major contributions was the development of a theoretical hierarchy of needs as a model for understanding the development of an individuals personality. The eight steps in Maslows hierarchy of needs, from the most basic requirements for survival to the most abstract, are as follows: Group One ˆ Physiological needs: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts, etc ˆ Safety/security: out of danger ˆ Belongingness and love: affiliate with others, be accepted ˆ Esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval Group Two ˆ Cognitive: to know, to understand, and explore ˆ Aesthetic: symmetry, order, and beauty Group Three ˆ Self-actualization: to find self-fulfillment and realize ones potential ˆ Transcendence: to help others find self-fulfillment and realize their potential Not every individual, according to Maslow, will progress through every stage, nor will an individual necessarily work through each stage in sequence or only once. Siddhartha rose through the early stages of development early in life. In fact, the book begins with Siddhartha already having mastered the first four stages. Because Siddhartha was born into a well-to-do upper caste family, he was able to satisfy such