Needs list

Fundamental Human Needs

The following list of needs is in part inspired by this list which is on the Center for Nonviolent Communication web-site.

Physical Survival air nutrition food waste water sleep shelter movement safety chemical balance sexual expression rest	Nurturance touch cuddling physical affection sensitivity warmth relaxation tenderness caring bonding comfort	Autonomy freedom space independence will choice fortitude individuality stamina self-empowerment options solitude
Mental stimulation focus clarity / to understand comprehension discernment information memory awareness belief reflection discrimination	Self-Expression creativity to be heard growth speaking healing singing learning / mastery meaning teaching to create / generate	Integrity self-worth centeredness authenticity identity self-respect composure purpose conviction vision / dreams direction honesty
Celebration of Life aliveness ecstasy pleasure delight accomplishment stimulation excitement dance humor passion intensity play to celebrate losses: mourning loved ones, dreams unfulfilled, etc.	Spiritual beauty / aesthetic bliss harmony / peace self-awareness order serenity grace faith inspiration hope being / beingness higher purpose transcendence communion	Interdependence / Social acceptance empathy warmth appreciation intimacy belonging contribution to others closeness love acknowledgment community reassurance group identity connection respect communication consideration support honesty from others emotional freedom being trusted emotional safety understanding

Needs and their existential categories of being

The following list came from this page about the work of the Chilean economist Manfred Max-Neef.

Fundamental Human Needs	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, tranquillity 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