What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how does it explain motivation?

Abraham Maslow proposed that human needs form a pyramid with five levels. Physiological needs like food, water, and sleep form the base. Safety needs for security and stability are next. Love and belonging needs for friendship and intimacy follow. Esteem needs for achievement, respect, and recognition come next. Self-actualization, the desire to fulfill one's potential, sits at the top. Maslow argued that lower-level needs must be substantially satisfied before higher needs become motivating. A starving person is not focused on self-esteem.