What People Want

What People Want (Ranked List of 100 Items)

Items are grouped roughly by category and ordered from most foundational to aspirational desires.

Basic Needs (Survival and Safety)

  1. Food and clean water
  2. Safe shelter
  3. Physical health
  4. Sleep and rest
  5. Safety from violence or danger
  6. Access to basic healthcare
  7. Clean environment (air, sanitation)
  8. Stable income or financial security
  9. Freedom from chronic stress
  10. Access to essential resources (electricity, transport, etc.)

Social and Emotional Needs

  1. Love and connection
  2. Friendship
  3. Family relationships
  4. Feeling accepted
  5. Trust in others
  6. Someone to confide in
  7. Intimacy (emotional or physical)
  8. Belonging to a group or community
  9. Being understood
  10. Feeling supported

Psychological Needs

  1. Autonomy (freedom to choose)
  2. Competence (feeling capable)
  3. Purpose or meaning
  4. Sense of control over life
  5. Self-esteem
  6. Hope for the future
  7. Emotional stability
  8. Gratitude and appreciation
  9. Forgiveness (of self or others)
  10. Peace of mind

Growth and Fulfillment

  1. Learning and knowledge
  2. Creativity
  3. Achievement or success
  4. Personal growth
  5. Mastery of skills
  6. Sense of contribution
  7. Challenge or stimulation
  8. Curiosity
  9. Time for reflection
  10. Spiritual or philosophical understanding

Lifestyle and Quality of Life

  1. Time freedom (control over one’s schedule)
  2. Travel or adventure
  3. Nature and beauty
  4. Comfort and convenience
  5. Enjoyable leisure time
  6. Good food and drink
  7. Music and art
  8. Physical activity or exercise
  9. Fun and play
  10. Humor and laughter

Social Status and Identity

  1. Respect from others
  2. Recognition
  3. Influence or leadership
  4. Status or prestige
  5. Financial wealth
  6. Ownership (house, car, possessions)
  7. Personal style or fashion
  8. Being admired
  9. Being unique or authentic
  10. Legacy or being remembered

Work and Purpose

  1. Fulfilling work
  2. Fair compensation
  3. Job security
  4. Positive work culture
  5. Sense of impact
  6. Autonomy in work
  7. Work-life balance
  8. Opportunities to advance
  9. Intellectual challenge
  10. Being part of a mission

Civic and Ethical Desires

  1. Freedom and human rights
  2. Justice and fairness
  3. Equality
  4. Truth and transparency
  5. Trust in institutions
  6. Environmental sustainability
  7. Helping others or altruism
  8. Civic engagement
  9. Cultural preservation
  10. Safety for future generations

Technology and Modern Needs

  1. Internet access
  2. Digital communication (phone, text, etc.)
  3. Privacy (online and offline)
  4. Digital literacy
  5. Access to tools or devices
  6. Tech convenience (smart homes, automation)
  7. Accurate information
  8. Online identity or expression
  9. Social media connection
  10. Entertainment on demand

Aspirational and Existential Wants

  1. Transcendence
  2. Awe or wonder
  3. Deep love
  4. Wholeness or integration
  5. Reconciliation
  6. Understanding of one’s life story
  7. Making a difference
  8. Deep connection to nature
  9. Freedom from regret
  10. Facing death with peace