There could be nothing more wrong than the Maslowian model of hierarchy of needs. … Please do not ever think that only after meeting your physiological needs and other needs can you be thinking about your spiritual needs or your enlightenment.

Source: "India's Hidden Hotbed of Invention." TEDIndia 2009. Nov. 2009. Conference Presentation. Additional Information: This quote by innovation advocate Anil Gupta is from Gupta's 2009 TED Talk about the Honey Bee Network, something Gupta invented to support grassroots innovators in developing countries. In this quote, Gupta is saying he disagrees with Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory in psychology which states that one can only achieve self actualization once they have met basic needs such as sleep, shelter, sex, etc. According to Gupta, even if you have not met these basic needs, you can rise above your circumstances and achieve something great. Watch the full TED Talk here: Anil Gupta - India's Hidden Hotbeds of Invention

“India’s Hidden Hotbed of Invention.” TEDIndia 2009. Nov. 2009. Conference Presentation.