Maslow's Secret

February 17, 2020

Greetings from the pyramid,

Recently a manuscript was uncovered during a routine decluttering of an obscure office in Menlo Park, one previously inhabited by none other than Abraham Harold Maslow.  This exciting news story may not have penetrated your awareness, what with all the award shows and political drama, and of course Judge Judy, dominating the airwaves.

Abraham Maslow, the renowned American psychologist, was one of the most cited authorities on the human psyche.  Dr. Maslow was an important figure in the creation of humanistic psychology and developed the widely known Hierarchy of Needs.  Maslow’s hierarchy describes various human motivations we all share: Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, and, at the apex of Maslow’s description of an evolved human’s needs, is the concept of Self Actualization. 

The revelation in this missing document, found in the back of an abandoned filing cabinet, was that Maslow had discovered the one motivating element that we all share, one that has driven the advancement of human existence in all of modern time: Coffee.

Maslow’s lost research shows that coffee was central in the psychological health and well being of all the subjects he studied.  Coffee, already widely accepted as the reason for every good thing that ever occurred since the first bean was roasted, it turns out, is also the source of our mental evolution toward our best selves. 

Most of you already are aware of the fundamental need we all have for coffee.  In the most primitive of situations, humans will tend to their most basic requirements: shelter, coffee, perhaps a cinnamon scone to go with the coffee. 

Once those first needs are met, we consider safety; in other words, will there be a reliable source of coffee in the future?  Will we be able to enjoy our coffee, in a peaceful environment, without interruption from political fundraisers?

Of course, the need for love, and the feeling of belonging, is emblematic in that first sip of perfectly brewed cup of coffee.  The ritual of its creation is woven in our most basic emotions; how we feel as we grind the beans, the aroma as the dark magic drips into the pot, our anticipation as we lean against the counter, our senses heightened, we can almost taste the earthy perfection.  There is nothing like wrapping your hands around a hot steaming mug of coffee and feel its intent for you.  It is friendship and caring and loyalty and love all in one steaming hot beverage.

Maslow wrote that self esteem is tied directly to the ability to make a good cup of coffee and not only enjoy it but share it with others and bask in the admiration of our peers who appreciate a good French roast.  His lost research now shows that people who have mastered a good pour-over are usually leaders, become financially successful, and are surrounded by people who like them.  They are also seen to be beautiful, have good posture, and a charming sense of humor.

Self-actualization is realizing one’s personal potential, self-fulfillment, becoming everything one is capable of being.  Obvious, I know, but without coffee none of this would be possible.  In the evolution of the human experience, it is what we aspire to, and without the partnership of coffee, our truest nature would be lost. 

Even though we understand these truths intuitively, it is a wonder that no one in the psychological community has expanded on Maslow’s findings.  And we can only speculate why his work has been hidden all this time.  There are some who suggest that Maslow’s findings were suppressed by the powerful Red Rose Tea company.  Some even go as far as to suggest that Maslow’s sudden death at 62 was not a heart attack, but an assassination by the decaf community. 

Most people are aware of Maslow’s famous quote: “To the man who only has only an empty mug, everything he encounters begins to look like coffee.”  It was probably his way of sharing the message, his subtle way of hinting at the truth we now know.

This morning I brewed a pot of coffee, and even before I read of Maslow’s revelations, I knew that this magic elixir held my future.  From the first taste, to the last sip, which leads me to wish for another cup, I realize that my best self awaits in its rich embrace.

Hope this finds you robust,

David

Copyright © 2020 David Smith