Monday, December 15, 2014

The ideal model of what is really important to us

Our definitions of importance varies from person to person. In the grand scheme of things, it varies depending on your geographical position, the time/era you live or lived in and the culture that surrounded you at that moment. However, there are needs that transcend time and space, and probable all of humans share in common.

The Chilean Economist  Manfred Max-Neef summarizes those fundamental human needs as follows:
Need
Being (qualities)
Having (things)
Doing (actions)
Interacting (settings)
subsistence
physical and mental health
food, shelter, work
feed, clothe, rest, work
living environment, social setting
protection
care, adaptability, autonomy
social security, health systems, work
co-operate, plan, take care of, help
social environment, dwelling
affection
respect, sense of humour, generosity, sensuality
friendships, family, relationships with nature
share, take care of, make love, express emotions
privacy, intimate spaces of togetherness
understanding
critical capacity, curiosity, intuition
literature, teachers, policies, educational
analyse, study, meditate, investigate,
schools, families, universities, communities,
participation
receptiveness, dedication, sense of humour
responsibilities, duties, work, rights
cooperate, dissent, express opinions
associations, parties, churches, neighbourhoods
leisure
imagination, tranquility, spontaneity
games, parties, peace of mind
day-dream, remember, relax, have fun
landscapes, intimate spaces, places to be alone
creation
imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity
abilities, skills, work, techniques
invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret
spaces for expression, workshops, audiences
identity
sense of belonging, self-esteem, consistency
language, religions, work, customs, values, norms
get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself
places one belongs to, everyday settings
freedom
autonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness
equal rights
dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness
anywhere

I wonder... What would be the proportion of people in our modern society that are able to have at least a subset of this list? 

References:

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