Loneliness

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a well known theory of basic needs for a human being. The philosopher lists the needs in order from greatest to the least, starting from the need of food, breathe, and sleep, to confidence and respect by others. Because we are living to survive, the first needs that a human seeks for is what keeps them alive. Basic needs such as food, sleep, breathing and shelter are first sought after. As soon as those needs are met, Maslow tells us that humans seek for Belonging and Friendship. When we are situated and secured, we have a need to share that with someone that we care for. When those needs are not met, people were seen getting sick; physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

In our society here in the United States, we are given plenty of room to express our identity and our character. Yet, being accepted for what you express is a whole different matter. There is a cultural trend that the majority of the people of society follow, and if someone does not go along with that, they are outcast and ostracized. That person is left out and forced to deal with loneliness by themselves just because they are different. Looking back into the Columbine incident and the Virginia Tech incident, it is sad and disappointing to see how this individualist discrimination caused such a horrible event to occur. Both events involved lack of friendship and belonging; a common need of a human being. Perhaps this world can take a different direction if this is just recognized. There is no need to love and suck up to everyone; people can have their differences. But, only when we can accept others despite differences…