Motivation is a psychological process that activates behavior aimed at achieving a goal. It arises from physiological, psychological or social needs or wants. Motivation theories propose that individuals prioritize certain needs over others, with lower-level needs like physical survival taking precedence over higher-level needs like self-actualization. Maslow's hierarchy of needs categorizes human needs into lower and higher orders, proposing that individuals must satisfy lower-level physiological and safety needs before pursuing higher-level needs for belonging, esteem and self-actualization. The conclusion emphasizes that true motivation is about living for one's aims rather than simply being willing to die for them.