An excerpt: Maslow arrived at Siksika along with Lucien Hanks and Jane Richardson Hanks. He intended to test the universality of his theory that social hierarchies are maintained by dominance of some people over others. However, he did not see the quest for dominance in Blackfoot society. Instead, he discovered astounding levels of cooperation, minimal inequality, restorative justice, full bellies, and high levels of life satisfaction. He estimated that “80–90% of the Blackfoot tribe had a quality of self-esteem that was only found in 5–10% of his own population”
Really loved the audio-edition, Kevin. Perfect listening while trying to dig in and fix our coffee maker this morning.
Seamus Heaney was my English literature lecturer. I’m sure he would have liked your work and the comparisons you have made. Loved it. Vincent
He was? Wow. Have a hundred questions. Will email. Thank you x
Very well said and thoughtfully written. The Ira Glass quote is one of my favorites ☺️
Beautiful Kev.
I really enjoyed reading this, Kevin. You are indeed a beautiful writer.
One thing I read recently about Maslow’s hierarchy was that the framework came from a native tribe called the Siksika (Blackfoot) that he lived with. https://www.resilience.org/stories/2021-06-18/the-blackfoot-wisdom-that-inspired-maslows-hierarchy/
An excerpt: Maslow arrived at Siksika along with Lucien Hanks and Jane Richardson Hanks. He intended to test the universality of his theory that social hierarchies are maintained by dominance of some people over others. However, he did not see the quest for dominance in Blackfoot society. Instead, he discovered astounding levels of cooperation, minimal inequality, restorative justice, full bellies, and high levels of life satisfaction. He estimated that “80–90% of the Blackfoot tribe had a quality of self-esteem that was only found in 5–10% of his own population”
Wow. So self-actualisation was easier in the native tribes, and not harder. Fascinating.