I am not a psychologist nor am I a psychology major. I do not intend this to be a psychology term paper. I am an economics major, so I do understand motivation and achievement though and would like to talk some on this topic as well as self-esteem and sex. According to Abraham Maslow from my college textbook titled Exploring Psychology, "self-actualization is the ultimate psychological need that arises after basic physical and psychological needs are met and self-esteem is achieved; the motivation to fulfill one's potential."

This definition sounds to me like the essence of being a PUA. It is like having a dream job and realizing your full purpose here on earth. Here is a quick picture of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Maslo ... _needs.png

Here is a link with more information than I can explain:

http://www.mindstructures.com/maslow-hierarchy-of-needs

Starting at the bottom at biological and physiological needs, you have your typical food, shelter, water, air, warmth, sleep, and sex/reproduction. "SEX?" You say... yes, sex is a basic need, which is why a lot of us are here on this forum/website. Next up is our need for safety, which is pretty self-explanatory. We like to have secure finances, shelter and not have to worry about being killed and/or injured.

Next up on the pyramid, "friends, family, and sexual intimacy". Notice intimacy is not exactly the same as sex. Intimacy is similar to love but the sex they are talking about is with regards to reproduction. A couple of excellent books on this subject are "The Red Queen" and "Sperm Wars" if you are interested in further reading.

Then there is the esteem "level" on the hierarchy. This one is also pretty self-explanatory too but captures a lot of essence of the inner game of PUA. Once you satisfy these other needs, you can obtain higher states of consciousness and satisfaction like self-actualization.

This chart is not made to be linear. For example, you can get your needs satisfied by a big juicy burger and drink, fuck your hot girlfriend, take a fat dump, and fall asleep. Since most if not all of these actions support the rest of the pyramid, you can easily "climb" up the hierarchy to other levels. I hope this makes sense. Feel free to add more. I will as I come up with more ideas how to illustrate this fabulous concept.

Thanks for reading,
Chicoman

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