Four Universal Needs. There are four universal needs of all people. To meet these needs people must have healthy and positive values and beliefs that guide them in meeting these basic needs.

1. Belonging: Everyone has a need to belong to a family, group, community, society, etc. Humans are social animals and have a basic biological need to be with others and feel close and accepted.

2. Mastery: In order to live one's life to the fullest people must feel a sense of mastery or achievement in the things they do. Through mastery we gain a sense of pride and accomplishment.

3. Independence: Everyone needs to feel a sense of independence which demonstrates that they are responsible people. Independence means having ability to get one's needs met, but not at the expense of others. It is not using people to benefit one's self. Independence requires people to be honest and trustworthy.

4. Generosity: Everyone enjoys giving to others in ways that makes them and the other people happy. Generosity is both giving and sharing of yourself (not simply the giving and sharing of physical objects). Each of these four universal and basic needs is present from the time we are born and continue to be present throughout our lives.  ¶ 11:41 AM