What is the main premise of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

The main premise of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is that individuals are motivated by a series of hierarchical needs, which are often represented in a pyramid format. At the base of this pyramid are basic physiological needs such as food and shelter, followed by safety needs, social needs including love and belonging, esteem needs, and finally, self-actualization at the top. Maslow's theory posits that lower-level needs must be satisfied before individuals can work towards fulfilling higher-level needs. This framework helps in understanding human motivation by illustrating how individuals prioritize their needs in a structured manner, ultimately aiming for personal growth and fulfillment through self-actualization.