According to Maslow's hierarchy, which needs must be satisfied first?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that prioritizes human motivations in a five-tier model, where individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before they can address higher-level needs. Physiological needs represent the foundational level of this hierarchy and include essential survival requirements such as food, water, warmth, and rest. These needs are considered primary because, without them being met, individuals cannot focus on higher-level needs such as safety, belonging, esteem, or self-actualization.

Once physiological needs are fulfilled, individuals can move on to the next levels of the hierarchy, eventually striving for self-actualization, which is the realization of personal potential and self-fulfillment. This structured progression illustrates the importance of basic survival needs as the driving force behind human motivation and behavior. Thus, satisfying physiological needs is a prerequisite before individuals can pursue more complex aspirations and social connections.