Hesses Siddhartha as it Parallels Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Essay

Hesses Siddh impostureha as it Parallels Maslows Hierarchy of Needs Several parallels can be drawn between the psychologist Abraham Maslows theoretical hierarchy of needs and the spiritual expedition of Siddhartha, the eponymous 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 one improvementes throughout ones entire 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 change 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 validity of the Buddhas teachings and mystifys one of his followers. Siddhartha, on the other hand, was non satisfied with the Buddh as teachings because he believed that it was not possible to obtain true enlightenment through the words of others but that it must(prenominal) be experienced empirically. Siddhartha therefore rejects the life of a Brahmin to become a Samana (a wandering person who gives up solid 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 years 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 decadent 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 wonder 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 substantial achievement. Although not everyone reaches that goal, it is that goal which motivates people to strive to be their very best, knowing that lasting happiness sits shining atop the pyramid. Works Cited Hesse, Herman. Siddhartha. New York New Directions produce 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/Cole Publishing Company, 1976.