What are the five different models/answers for ‘What does it mean to live a good life’?
- Abraham Maslow (Hierarchy of Needs)
- Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT)
- Harvard Study of Adult Development
- Ubuntu (‘I am because we are’)
- The Human Search for Meaning (Victor Frankl)
What are models?
An imperfect, good-enough, and useful representation of reality.
Model 1: Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Includes ‘Self-transcendence’ as the 6th level
- The overlapping wave representation is considered better than the pyramid model
- Lacks data validation
What is the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT)?
A sub-theory of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), focusing on psychological needs and is more data-backed than Maslow’s model.
What are the three basic psychological needs according to BPNT?
- Competence
- Autonomy
- Relatedness
What is the main finding from the Harvard Study of Adult Development?
The quality of close relationships is a key factor that determines happiness. Loneliness is more deadly than smoking and obesity.
According to the Harvard Study, what percentage of happiness is under our control?
40% (50% is genetics, 10% is circumstance).
Model 4: Ubuntu
An African philosophy meaning ‘I am because we are.’
What are Victor Frankl’s Three Sources of Meaning for a good life?
- Love (Romantic or non-romantic, spiritual element)
- Purposeful work (Contribution, creative activities, acts of service to others)
- Courage (In the face of difficulties; human spirit and resilience)
Define Protopia.
A world that is imperfect but improving, courageously.
