Level 2 of the CTMU Teleologic Living Plan encompasses the individual in relation to the environment, specifically the immediate surroundings. Before we can actualize at higher levels, we must have a stable situation. Psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy of needs, which holds that basic needs must be met before the individual can move on to higher levels of actualization. In the mid-20th century, Maslow expanded on the concept and developed a system for examining these issues within his “hierarchy of needs”.
Interestingly, Maslow’s hierarchy culminated in the individual’s maximal self-actualization and did not include a spiritual dimension. Another limitation of the model was its focus on the individual as a unitary entity (rather than a layering of “selves”) and its neglect of the individual’s interaction with others and the environment. This original hierarchical model has been modified or expanded by various authors, including Maslow himself. It shares a moderate amount of overlap with the CTMU Teleologic Living path, which has 9 levels by comparison. The CTMU Teleologic Living Plan consists of eight primary levels and a metacognitive 9th level that outlines how to best utilize the framework.
