What does Maslow's hierarchy of needs illustrate?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs illustrates levels of human motivation by organizing different types of needs into a structured framework. According to Maslow, human needs are arranged in a pyramid, where the most basic physiological needs, such as food and shelter, must be met before individuals can focus on higher-level needs like safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This hierarchical model suggests that as one progresses through these levels of needs, the motivation shifts to satisfy higher needs once the lower needs have been adequately addressed. This concept emphasizes the idea that motivation is a driving force that influences behavior and personal growth, making it a foundational theory in psychology regarding how human beings seek fulfillment and strive for self-improvement.