Fundamental Human Needs

by Manfred Max-Neef

Need Being (qualities) Having (things) Doing (actions) Interacting (settings)
1 subsistence physical and mental health food, shelter, work feed, clothe, rest, work living environment, social setting
2 protection care, adaptability, autonomy social security, health systems, work co-operate, plan, take care of, help social environment, dwelling
3 affection respect, sense of humor, generosity, sensuality friendships, family, relationships with nature share, take care of, make love, express emotions privacy, intimate spaces of togetherness
4 understanding critical capacity, curiosity, intuition literature, teachers, policies, educational analyze, study, meditate, investigate schools, families, universities, communities
5 participation receptiveness, dedication, sense of humor responsibilities, duties, work, rights cooperate, dissent, express opinions associations, parties, churches, neighborhoods
6 leisure imagination, tranquility, spontaneity games, parties, peace of mine day-dream, remember, relax, have fun landscapes, intimate spaces, places to be alone
7 creation imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity abilities, skills, work, techniques invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret spaces for expression, workshops, audiences
8 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
9 Freedom autonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness equal rights dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness anywhere