Three Levels of Being

To survive as one individual human, I need....

Clean water
Clean air
Good health
Shelter
Food that won't kill me

If we are humane, then I believe that all human beings are entitled access to these things in order to have a good quality of life. They should be available and affordable because being civilized means we act like this is not a world where the mentality is 'kill or be killed'. Having these needs met creates the level playing field for the things that...

As a person, I want...

But maybe can't afford.

These would be things that enhance the basics and make them more enjoyable than they already are, but aren't necessarily needed. Extra effort, creativity, making sacrifices - that will get me to being able to have what I want and if I desire extravaganza or luxurious...

Bonuses in addition to my needs and wants, well...

these will require going above and beyond what it takes to having my needs and wants met. They will be rewards for being absolutely extraordinary in the face of adversity and roadblocks. They are what is at the end of the rainbow after never faltering, never wavering and are gotten by doing unconventional and inspirational things. In other words, doing possibly the hardest work I've ever done to get that bonus. There are no guarantees that I'll ever get it because hard work doesn't always translate into rewards, but it sure will be worth the effort when it is achieved.

When I have my needs met, I feel safe. When I get what I want, I feel proud of my abilities and when bonuses are realized, it makes me feel that all the hard work and struggle has been worth it.

It all starts with feeling safe. That is what we are all entitled to in this world.