Who proposed the hierarchy of needs theory?

Abraham Maslow proposed the hierarchy of needs theory, which is a psychological framework that outlines the stages of human motivation. This theory suggests that human beings are motivated by a series of hierarchical needs, typically represented as a pyramid. At the base are physiological needs, such as food, water, and shelter, which must be satisfied before individuals can move up to higher-level psychological needs, including safety, love and belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization at the peak.

Maslow's model emphasizes the idea that individuals must first fulfill basic needs before they can focus on higher-level psychological or self-fulfillment needs. This has had a profound impact on psychology, education, and even business practices, as it highlights the importance of addressing foundational needs in order to foster personal growth and motivation.