Psychology of Life and Maslows Heirarchy of Needs

Short post today on a few interesting things I've seen/read. This was some junk mail sent to me by Matteo. But it summarises the philosophy everyone should consider taking on life to be happier people. When I finished reading it, I thought 'Yes, yes and yes'. So that's why im posting it here. Great attitude to life. Especially the bits about not cleaning the house or mowing the lawn, and drinking beer. Not sure where it came from, just a copy paste.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles roll ed into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.The students laughed..‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—-your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—-and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.. The sand is everything else—-the small stuff.‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.Take care of the golf balls first—-the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

So thanks to Matteo for that junk mail. It was actually very insightful and fulfilling to read :)


Excellent philosophy. It reminds me of something I have stuck on my wall at work, which I often look at to refresh my thoughts. It is called Maslows Heirarchy of Needs. Initially I thought of it as a tacky pyramid showing what you should care about most. But recently, I have realised that it isnt a Guideline to follow to try and focus your attention accordingly; it is more of a Law of Needs. I have noticed at times when I start thinking very morally, all the lower ranking needs are fulfilled. At times when a certain need lower down in the pyramid is not fulfilled, there is no attention devoted to anything above it in the heirarchy. I kind of use it as a guide to happiness and the soul. I look over every few days to the picture on my wall, and think hmm where do I stand now. Then you can find what needs a bit of attention, before you can move up to the higher rung of the pyramid. Have a little look at it and see if you can relate. Think of your current state of mind, follow through from the bottom up and see where you stand. Then think to a time when you were at a higher state of life, and see if that issues was still there.