A need is a fundamental requirement that people must meet in order to live. These needs may include food, water, shelter or clothing. In most cases, if the human body does not receive these basic requirements, it will die. However, in some cases, a person may only be mildly inconvenienced or even unaffected if their needs are not met. For example, a person may need water to stay hydrated but does not necessarily need a particular brand of water or an expensive bottle.
The academic study of need has a long history and forms a common substrate for several fields, including psychology, biology, social science, economics, philosophy and politics. Abraham Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs, developed in 1943, is one of the most well-known academic theories on need. His theory posits that people must satisfy lower-order physiological needs such as food, water and safety before higher-order psychological needs like belonging, esteem and self-actualization can be fulfilled.
Need is also used in the context of politics and law. For example, politicians often argue that certain policies and programs are necessary for the economy. These policies and programs are often described as “need-based.” While the term “need-based” is commonly used, there is no official definition for it. However, the concept is often viewed as a moral imperative, especially when it comes to helping those most in need.
When used in everyday speech, the term need often refers to something that a person wants or desires, but does not require in order to survive. For example, a person may say they need a new apartment or car. While these are not essential for survival, they are necessary to satisfy a desire for comfort or status.
It is important to understand the distinction between needs and desires in a person’s life. This will help them to avoid over-consuming or overspending. It will also help them to prioritize their own needs. For example, it is often more important to have a roof over their head than to own the latest Apple technology.
Identifying one’s own needs can be difficult. A useful exercise is to write a list of experiences that a person has each day and then consider which of those are actual needs. For example, a person may need food to survive but might want to enjoy a meal with friends or family in order to feel happy. Once a list is created, it can be refined to narrow down to the top four personal needs. This process can be facilitated by using the following approaches: identifying feelings as indicators of need; utilizing rational identification of needs, including the use of up-to-date scientific knowledge and consideration of the realities of individuals’ everyday lives; and democratic decision-making in which all of an individual’s needs are addressed.