Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Teen Living 6

​First, let's think about what problems the zombie apocalypse will bring with it.

Yes, hoards of brain-eating, mindless undead will roam the earth.

But the problem is bigger than that.

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​Now, let's take a look at the following clip on a popular Zombie movie from 2004!

​The Most Important Factor For Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse

You might be overlooking the most important way to survive the zombie apocalypse​

Golbeck, J. (2014, October 28)

​​What problems did you notice?

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​This Chart shown here represents our NEEDS as Human Beings to survive.

At the very bottom of the chart represents our basic need, which is food, water, sleep, etc.

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​Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs establishes what people need in order to live and thrive.

At the base level are biological functions – eating, drinking, breathing. The presence of zombies won't threaten that specifically, but it does threaten the next level of needs: Security.

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We will need shelter, security of our resources (like food and water), protection for our families, etc.

Without that, we lose everything in life beyond basic survival.

So how do we ensure our security?

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​If you are wealthy, you can buy this house, which transforms into an impenetrable zombie-proof fortress.​

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If you aren't rich, you can prepare yourself physically. Maybe do some Crossfit or Zombie Survival Training! Perhaps get yourself a weapon, like an axe, which maybe good for close combat with the undead?

But all that preparation won't spare you from the real threat: people. Living people.

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​Surround yourself with trustworthy people. How do we define trustworthy? At it heart, trust means that we take a risk based on our belief that the person we trust will act in our best interest.

There are three major factors that are part of any trusting relationship:

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1. Vulnerability – If someone is trustworthy, you can make yourself vulnerable around them and expect they will behave in a way that respects that vulnerability. Once the zombies are here, you will be vulnerable in a lot of ways. If you are going to share that vulnerability with others, be sure you know that they will act appropriately.

​2. Favors – Sometimes called "reciprocal services" by sociologists, trust is built and maintained by doing things for one another. This can be caring for each other or doing favors. These are one-way acts that are selfless. When someone is selfless on our behalf, it shows us that we can believe that person will act in our interest later on. We strengthen that bond when we do for the other person in return. When the zombies are here and we are all short on resources and security, these favors will be critical for survival.

3. Emotional Intensity – Strong relationships are often shared between people who experience intense emotions together. That emotion could be love, but it could also be grief or fear – emotions that will be in ample supply during the zombie apocalypse. People who will share those intense feelings with us, rather than remaining cold, aloof, or even mocking of those feelings, are more likely to engage in trustworthy behavior.

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​Think about all the zombie movies and TV shows you've watched, post-apocalyptic books you've read, and even about places – modern and historical - where society has collapsed. Most of the threats people face come from other people who are no longer bound by the laws and social rules we are used to.

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So what's the most important thing you can do to survive? Pick the right friends. Yes, it's great to have group with a doctor and carpenter and cross-bow marksman. But what you really need are people you can trust. Your doctor isn't worth much if he sneaks away in the middle of the night with all the group's supplies. Your carpenter isn't contributing much if he assaults other members of the group.

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​Picking the right friends and trusting them covers levels 4 & 5 Of Maslow's Hierarchy!

​With Your Friends & Family around you feel the sense of belonging and Love. Trusting & Respecting your friends and family garners your self-esteem as you gain confidence and respect from others.

​With a trusted group, succeeding levels 4 & 5.

Many of the greatest threats to security – those from other living people who have stopped acting within the constraints of societal rules – can be avoided. A team of trusted people will also be more effective at protecting property, shelter, and resources than any one person (or group of untrusting people) would be. In other words, much of Maslow's security layer will be restored, allowing us to live better, more fulfilling lives with our brains intact and reaching our full potential of survival during a Zombie Apocalypse.

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​You have Now survived a Zombie Apocalypse. You have reached a sense of of accomplishment, you are now at the Top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and understand who you are and what you are here to do!

​References:

​Golbeck, J. (2014, October 28). The Most Important Factor for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-online-secrets/201410/the-most-important-factor-surviving-zombie-apocalypse

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​Bhatt, M. (2011, April 26). The World's First Zombie Proof House. Retrieved from https://allthatsinteresting.com/zombie-proof-house

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​Dawn of the Dead (2004) Official Trailer- Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j69OPw9nFHw

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​Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (2013) Retrieved from http://webidea40.blogspot.com/2016/01/relativelyfriendly-hr-maslows-hierarchy.html