Basic Human Aspiration is to be Happy & Prosperous, and it is continuous. Human Being is the coexistence of Mind (Self) and Body, and both go hand in hand. However, both types of needs have to be understood separately and to be fulfilled separately. If Physical need is for the body and the psychological need is for the mind (Self), how to differentiate between physical need V/S psychological need?
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A. Physical need is Temporary, whereas the psychological need is Continuous.
Eating food is our Physical need. Once the stomach is full, we can’t eat further. So the physical need (body need) is Temporary.
Status, Respect, being Happy is our psychological need, and we expect all the time. So the psychological need is Continuous.
B. Physical need is Quantitative, whereas the psychological need is Qualitative.
Materialistic needs like Money, House, Car are our physical needs. But, how much money is required to be happy, or how big the house, or how costly the car, it all depends on the individual’s mindset. So physical need is Quantitative.
Status, Respect, Being happy are psychological needs. But, we can’t say how much percentage of happiness or respect is required – it can’t be measured. So psychological need is Qualitative.
C. Physical need requires Right Utilization, whereas the psychological need requires Right Understanding. For example: Buying a necklace is a physical need, but expecting others to appreciate is a psychological need.
A middle-class family lady happened to pass in front of the jewellery shop and saw a beautiful necklace with diamond studs displayed in the front showcase. She felt, wearing that necklace she will be the happiest lady in the universe and will look very pretty than anyone else, but the price is way beyond her imagination. God appears and blessed her a wish saying, the necklace is yours but with one condition, you can wear and admire your beauty looking in the mirror and can enjoy your happiness any number of times till your death, but no one will be able to see the necklace. The lady kept quiet, not knowing what to answer. God gave some concessions in his blessing, God said, OK others can see the necklace, but the condition is, you have to wear the same necklace throughout your lifetime. Is your desire is for you or for others? So, both Physical and psychological needs have to be understood and fulfilled separately.
As the physical need is quantitative, Right Utilization (self-contentment) of physical need is vital. Since the psychological need is qualitative, Right Understanding of psychological need is mandatory.
To give some more examples:
- Home is a Physical need. Love is a Psychological need.
- Power is Physical need. Confidence is Psychological need.
- Receiving help is Physical need. Lending help is Psychological need.
Credit: Workshop “Transform Self & Transform Relationships (TSTR)” (A journey of profound well-being and fulfilment) helped me to understand human values. TSTR is supported by Viridus Social Impact Solutions and presented in collaboration with Wellbeing Movement. www.tstr.in
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