Hesses Siddhartha as it Parallels Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Essay

Hesses Siddhartha as it Parallels Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Several parallels can be drawn between the psychologist Abraham Maslows theoretical hierarchy of needs and the spiritual journey of Siddhartha, the eponymic main character in Herman Hesses novel. Maslows hierarchy of needs is somewhat of a pyramid that is divided into eight stages of need through which mavin progresses throughout ones ideal life. During the course of his lifetime, Siddharthas personality develops in a manner congruent with the stages of Maslows hierarchy. Siddharthas progress from each of the major sections of the hierarchy is marked by a sharp assortment in his life or behavior. Siddhartha is the story of a young mans journey in search of truth. Early in life, Siddhartha and his friend Govinda hear the teachings of the Buddha. Govinda is convinced of the boldness of the Buddhas teachings and becomes one of his followers. Siddhartha, on the other hand, was not satisfied with the Buddhas teachin gs because he believed that it was not possible to obtain true enlightenment through the words of others but that it essential be experienced empirically. Siddhartha therefore rejects the life of a Brahmin to become a Samana (a wandering person who gives up material possessions for his faith). After he tires of this life, he moves on to learn the art of love from a woman named Kamala and the art of business from a man named Kamaswami. He lives his new life for many geezerhood but then begins to feel that his mind has become stagnant and that he needs something new in his life. He abandons the surroundings he now finds effete and becomes friends and lives with a ferry-man who he met years before. He spends the rest of his life with ... ...e of material wants and was truly happy just to exist. He realized his potential and found delight in in the world around him. At some time during life, everyone must face Siddharthas challenge. Everyone spends their life trying to attain self fulfillment and true contentment. And during that time, one must remember the importance of the journey itself, not only the actual achievement. Although not everyone reaches that goal, it is that goal which motivates people to strive to be their very best, knowing that long-lived happiness sits shining atop the pyramid. Works Cited Hesse, Herman. Siddhartha. New York New Directions Publishing Company, 1951. Glenn, Jerry. Monarch Notes. The Major Works of Herman Hesse. New York Monarch Press, 1973. Schultz, Duane . Theories of Personality. Monterey, California Brooks/ kail Publishing Company, 1976.