If we talking of a pyramid, it did not exist as such when the psychologist Abraham Maslow presented his theory of motivation in an article A Theory of Human Motivation, published in 1943. The form of a pyramid imposed itself for its convenience in the area of the psychology of work.

This pyramid is built up on five large levels: - Psychological needs, necessary for a person’s survival. - Security needs, which is linked to each of our longing to be reassured as far as tomorrow is concerned. - The need to belong and have social recognition. - The need to be esteemed by others. - The need for self esteem. - Personal accomplishment.

According to Maslow we at first look to satisfy each demand within a given level before thinking about the needs situated on the level immediately above on the pyramid. Unsurprisingly we for example look to satisfy psychological needs before security needs: that is why when we are in a situation where our survival is at stake we would be ready to take risks.