Difference between revisions of "Main Page"

Explain xkcd: It's 'cause you're dumb.
Jump to: navigation, search
(This part definitely looks like it changed while I was away)
(Rules)
Line 31: Line 31:
 
== Rules ==
 
== Rules ==
  
Don't be a jerk.
+
Don't be a jerk!
  
 
There are a lot of comics that don't have set-in-stone explanations; feel free to put multiple interpretations in the wiki page for each comic.
 
There are a lot of comics that don't have set-in-stone explanations; feel free to put multiple interpretations in the wiki page for each comic.

Revision as of 22:31, 12 April 2024

Welcome to the explain xkcd wiki!
We have an explanation for all 2988 xkcd comics, and only 6 (0%) are incomplete. Help us finish them!

Latest comic

Go to this comic explanation

Maslow's Pyramid
The local police, building inspector, and fire marshal are all contesting my 'safety' assertion, or would be if they could reach me past all the traps.
Title text: The local police, building inspector, and fire marshal are all contesting my 'safety' assertion, or would be if they could reach me past all the traps.

Explanation

Ambox notice.png This explanation may be incomplete or incorrect: Created by a PHYSICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF A METAPHORICAL HEURISTIC MODEL - Please change this comment when editing this page. Do NOT delete this tag too soon.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological model of human needs. It posits that humans needs are prioritized from basic physiological requirements to more abstract forms of comfort and happiness. The idea is frequently represented by a pyramid-shaped diagram ("Maslow's Pyramid,") with basic foundational needs near the bottom creating the stability to enable self-actualization at the top.

In this comic, Cueball has interpreted Maslow's Pyramid too literally. He attempts to achieve true happiness by physically building a pyramid that resembles a common representation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, instead of attempting to meet the needs within the pyramid. Cueball complains that the pyramid provides only fulfills one of the five needs listed on its side: literal safety, plus shelter from the elements. The pyramid is useless for his social and emotional needs: everyone, including Cueball, thinks the pyramid was a poor idea.

The title text indicates that the pyramid probably doesn't meet the safety requirements established by local building codes, even though Cueball feels that it provides him with physical safety. This is apparently implemented with various traps, which are preventing the authorities from getting into the pyramid to verify compliance or serve him with a notice of non-compliance.

Transcript

Ambox notice.png This transcript is incomplete. Please help editing it! Thanks.
[Cueball is facing White Hat and Megan and pointing to a giant pyramid modeled after Maslow's hierarchy of needs, with each tier labeled after its need on the pyramid, and a comment next to it in the comic. From top to bottom:]
Self-actualization: [Red X] Honestly questioning my life choices here
Esteem: [Red X] People seem less impressed by it than I hoped
Belonging and Love: [Red X] Friends are worried about me
Safety: [Green Checkmark] Highly defensible
Physiological needs: [Red X] Provides basic shelter but no food, water, heat, etc
[Caption below the panel:]
I built Maslow's pyramid thing, but it's a total ripoff - it's only providing 20% of my needs.


Is this out of date? Clicking here will fix that.

New here?

Last 7 days (Top 10)

Lots of people contribute to make this wiki a success. Many of the recent contributors, listed above, have just joined. You can do it too! Create your account here.

You can read a brief introduction about this wiki at explain xkcd. Feel free to sign up for an account and contribute to the wiki! We need explanations for comics, characters, themes and everything in between. If it is referenced in an xkcd web comic, it should be here.

  • There are incomplete explanations listed here. Feel free to help out by expanding them!

Rules

Don't be a jerk!

There are a lot of comics that don't have set-in-stone explanations; feel free to put multiple interpretations in the wiki page for each comic.

If you want to talk about a specific comic, use its discussion page.

Please only submit material directly related to (and helping everyone better understand) xkcd... and of course only submit material that can legally be posted (and freely edited). Off-topic or other inappropriate content is subject to removal or modification at admin discretion, and users who repeatedly post such content will be blocked.

If you need assistance from an admin, post a message to the Admin requests board.