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To further your analogy, it sometimes feels that the Maslow's hierarchy of needs is "hollowed out" at the bottom of the pyramid, and to keep the hollowing out disguised, companies and advertisers divert attention to the top of the pyramid i.e. "look how everything's awesome! Take your complimentary beer".

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I’m confused by “hollowed out Maslows pyramid of needs”

I think they have it flipped

Yeah, I agree!

I see the confusion. Based on Maslow's hierarchy (pyramid) of needs, one needs to start at the bottom (physiological) and build up from there like a foundation. Because factors, both internal and external to ones lives, erode at access to basic needs, ones life loses stability, hence the "hollowing" out part. A better metaphor would be turning Maslow's hierarchy/pyramid instead into a tower.

(in retrospect this wasn't one of my best thoughts)

Oh yes, I think I agree. It’s all very ego based but minimal long term or stability.

I think you're onto something, but it's that the lower levels of Maslow's hierarchy are pretty much completely satisfied these days for all but the poorest people, so the meaning of those levels are eroded. Once upon a time, a good stew and a husk of bread were enough to make you feel genuinely satisfied with your life. These days a delicious greasy dinner with ice cream for dessert barely registers because you're chasing mates and self-actualisation and stuff.

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