We are complex creatures...I mean, People are complex creatures.

We want autonomy. We want freedom. We want decision-making authority. We want to be able to choose what to do, how to do it...and where...and when. When our locus of control¹ is threatened by others we feel uncomfortable.

At the same time...

We want relationships. We want to belong in community. [We find stability and comfort in Place.²] We want law and order for protection. We want shoulders to cry on and we want help when we call for it.

Our egos are powerful drivers, our emotions are powerful drivers, and our needs are complex.

Abraham Maslow³ ranked a hierarchy of human needs...

Self-Actualization

Self-Esteem & Confidence

Love/Belonging [family first]

Safety [shelter, security, health]

Physiological [air, water, food, etc]

If we under-estimate how complex People are then we do it at our peril.

If we fail to appreciate The Differences in People then we do that, too, at our peril.

Footnotes:

1. Locus of Control
2. In his classic 'Future Shock', Alvin Toffler does a wonderful job of explaining the importance of 'Place'.
3. Abraham Maslow