Hierarchy of Needs: A core principle of Maslow's theory of motivation, which presents the revolutionary claim that when it comes to needs, first things first, or always drive with your horse before your cart. Thus we must achieve lower needs (food, shelter, safety) before we can achieve higher needs, such as belonging, self esteem, or self actualization. Thus, before you can bond with your bowling league buddies (belonging needs) and win that coveted trophy (self actualization), it is useful to first not be a homeless, starving vagrant.
