Abstract

In their ‘Human Scale Development’ approach, Max-Neef proposed a matrix of nine axiological (subsistence, protection, affection, understanding, participation, idleness, creation, identity, and liberty) fundamental human needs that are each viewed in four existential modes or dimensions (being, having, doing, and interacting) as an instrument to be able to identify potential satisfiers, and in this to contribute to achieve a development that serves people helping them to satisfy their needs. This chapter argues that development, even if defined in terms of the fulfilment of fundamental human needs, so far fails to explain happiness. Further, the article discusses whether religion could help to explain happiness and concludes that sound evidence exists that practising spirituality is indeed key for feeling deep and abiding happiness. It is then suggested that if, as already Aristotle argued, happiness – or felicity (eudemonia) as he termed it – is to be regarded as the highest aspirational good, then ‘spirituality’ should be added to the matrix as tenth axiological fundamental human needs.