Final answer:
Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that people's motivation to reach their full potential, or self-actualization, requires that more basic needs such as physiological, safety, belongingness, and esteem needs are first satisfied.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic premise of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory is that people will pursue their highest potential when more basic needs are met. This suggests that our motivation to reach self-actualization, which is reaching one's full potential and includes qualities such as creativity, acceptance, and spontaneity, is dependent upon having our more fundamental needs satisfied first. These foundational needs include physiological requirements like food and water, safety needs, belongingness, and esteem needs. According to Maslow, once these are met, a person can then focus on achieving self-actualization. This concept was expanded later by Maslow to include self-transcendence, where the focus shifts beyond oneself towards a higher goal or purpose.