PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy
How to Be Human Download ArticleExplore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by John A. Lundin, PsyD
Last Updated: October 18, 2025 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by John A. Lundin, PsyD. John Lundin, Psy. D. is a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience treating mental health issues. Dr. Lundin specializes in treating anxiety and mood issues in people of all ages. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute, and he practices in San Francisco and Oakland in California's Bay Area. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 379,512 times.
This article will walk you through the process of living as a human, from the basic necessities of life to the abstract reaches of human aspiration. This article uses the Hierarchy of Needs (conceived by Abraham Maslow, psychologist, and noted human) as its guiding foundation.
Steps
Download Article
1 Meet basic physical needs. Human beings cannot exist in a vacuum - without caring for certain physical needs, humans will soon die. Take care of your basic well being or you'll have a very hard time meaningfully pursuing the more advanced steps. At the bare minimum, humans need to:
Breathe oxygen. Human beings' most pressing need is to breathe air containing oxygen almost constantly. At the absolute longest, humans can go only about 20 minutes without air;[1]XResearch source most can only last a fraction of that time.
Eat edible foods and drink water. Humans eat food for energy and to provide vital nutrients for essential body processes. At a minimum, humans should consume adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as several essential vitamins and minerals. Humans also drink water, as it is crucial for many internal processes. The precise amounts of food and water you should consume as a human varies based on your size and your level of physical activity.
Sleep. Humans still aren't completely sure what the purpose of sleep is, though we do know that it's vital for physical and mental performance.[2]XResearch source The healthiest adult humans usually sleep 7-8 hours a night.[3]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Maintain homeostasis. Essentially, humans need to keep their external environment from interfering with their internal body. This can take many forms - for instance, wearing clothes to regulate body temperature and repairing wounds with sutures, bandages, etc.
2 Secure your safety. A human's second responsibility, after meeting their innate requirements for life, is to seek out their safety. To thrive, humans can't be worried about whether they will starve or die - such thoughts will override any attempts to reach higher levels of human accomplishment. Here are just a few ways to ensure you're "safe" as a human:
Avoid danger. Don't stay near places or situations that can cause physical damage to your body. Injuries can affect your physical health and even cause you to die.
Get or build a home. Humans need a place to live that offers protection from the elements. At the bare minimum, this place should have four walls and a place to sleep.
Pursue a living. Most of the planet earth uses money. Money can be exchanged for goods and services, including food, clothing, and shelter. Most humans eventually get a job to receive a dependable stream of money.
Advertisement
3 Form human relationships. Famous human Aristotle is remembered as saying: "Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human."[4]XResearch source In your life as a human, you will meet people. Some will make you feel good - these are "friends." You may feel a sexual and/or romantic attraction to some: Such a person is a "romantic interest", who can develop into a spouse. A life lived alone is not a fulfilling one - spend time cultivating healthy relationships for a richer, more emotional life.
To maintain friendships, you'll need to "hang out" with your friends. Invite them over for brunch. Talk about sports. Forge a bond with your friends - help them when they need it, and they'll be around to help you.
If you're looking for a relationship, most of them start when one person asks another out. See our list of articles on asking humans out for guidance.
4 Cultivate your self-esteem. Humans feel better when they consider themselves valuable and they know that others consider them valuable. It's easiest to respect yourself and for others to respect you if you've achieved something. Try to strive for success, whether it's at your job or in other activities that you practice for fun (these are called "hobbies.") Know and be confident in your own abilities. Respect humans who respect you.
Relationships with others can help boost your self-esteem when you feel sad, but self-esteem begins within. Don't depend on other peoples' approval for your self-esteem.
5 Validate your existence. Once humans are physically secure, have a foundation of healthy relationships, and have a good self-image, they may begin to ponder questions such as "Why are we here?" Different humans ascribe a variety of purposes to human life. Many humans adopt a set of moral principles or develop their own. Others embark on creative endeavors, expressing their innermost thoughts through art. Others still try to make sense of the universe through science or philosophy. There's no right way to make the most of your existence, but here are just a few ideas:
Subscribe to an existing (or develop your own) philosophy and/or religion.
Write, draw, play music or dance.
Become an innovator in your craft.
Experience (and care for) nature.
Whatever you choose to do, try to make your mark on the world. Improve the earth for those who come after you in some way, however small.
6 Learn how to love others and be loved. Love is difficult to define; the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as a feeling of intense affection, attachment, and/or desire for another human.[5]XResearch source Many humans say that the best thing in life is to love (and be loved by) other human beings. Many humans get married to commit to a life of loving a romantic partner. Others still start families and have children so that they can love someone from the beginning of his or her life to the point that they die. There's no right way to live a love-filled life - all you can do is follow your heart and embrace love's mysterious, inexplicable humanity.
You can help a depressed person. The most important aspect of offering support to someone who has depression is through both compassion and boundaries.[6]XResearch source [7]X Expert Source John A. Lundin, PsyDClinical PsychologistExpert Interview
You should be compassionate towards them and help them feel less alone in their suffering.[8]XResearch source [9]X Expert Source John A. Lundin, PsyDClinical PsychologistExpert Interview
However, It is not a good model for a depressed person if you sacrifice your own needs for them.[10]X Expert Source John A. Lundin, PsyDClinical PsychologistExpert Interview
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Can I be human without validating my existence? Community Answer Yes, but it could be a boring and unfulfilling life. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 131 Helpful 464
Question What does the average human do if they are not capable of love? Community Answer A human who is incapable of love can still find many other sources of happiness and fulfillment. Do what you enjoy, as long as you're not hurting anybody. Develop your talents and pursue your goals. Try to help others sometimes if you can. Love could still some someday. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 125 Helpful 314
Question What should I do if I have no friends and I am not satisfied with my life? Community Answer Don't take your self-worth from those around you, you need to find it internally. If you can't control one aspect of your life, throw yourself into something you can control, like self-improvement. Soon enough, your free time will be occupied and friends will come naturally. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 116 Helpful 253
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Many human philosophies and religions advocate a concept called "The Golden Rule," which is: "Do to others what you would have them do to you." Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toLive a Good LifeHow toEnjoy YourselfHow toLead a Healthy LifeHow to Help Yourself & Your Mental HealthHow toHave a Balanced LifestyleHow toLiveHow toLead a Happy Life Without Romantic RelationshipsHow to Start Living Your Best Life TodayHow toTake Better Care of YourselfA Simple Guide to Feeling Alive AgainHow toRun Away from Home and Live in the Woods20 Tips for Living a Happier Life Based on Scientific ResearchHow toBe LovedFollow These 10 Life Rules to Feel More Fulfilled Advertisement
↑ John A. Lundin, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
More References (1)
↑ John A. Lundin, PsyD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: John A. Lundin, PsyD Clinical Psychologist This article was co-authored by John A. Lundin, PsyD. John Lundin, Psy. D. is a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience treating mental health issues. Dr. Lundin specializes in treating anxiety and mood issues in people of all ages. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute, and he practices in San Francisco and Oakland in California's Bay Area. This article has been viewed 379,512 times. 140 votes - 88% Co-authors: 86Updated: October 18, 2025 Views: 379,512 Categories: Philosophy In other languages Italian French Russian Spanish Indonesian Dutch Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 379,512 times.
Reader Success Stories
Anon A.
Dec 1, 2025
"When you are an inhuman monster, humaning is difficult; triggering normies' uncanny valley reflex a daily hazard. This guide reminded me to focus on the basics first. The hierarchy of needs cannot be ascended in a day."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: John A. Lundin, PsyD Clinical Psychologist Co-authors: 86Updated: October 18, 2025 Views: 379,51288% of readers found this article helpful. 140 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote
Anon A.
Dec 1, 2025
"When you are an inhuman monster, humaning is difficult; triggering normies' uncanny valley reflex a daily hazard. This guide reminded me to focus on the basics first. The hierarchy of needs cannot be ascended in a day."..." more
Someone P.
Mar 28, 2025
"This was extremely helpful, and I learned so many new things about people! As a person, I was not aware of much of this knowledge, but this article has made my life splendid."..." more
John L.
Jul 25, 2024
"I am a normal average human being. This document assisted me in continuing to be a normal human being, since I am and have always been a normal human being."..." more
Very H.
Feb 4, 2025
""As a human being, I am grateful for this article, as it helps me know how to act as my species."" Rated this article:
Luke P.
Sep 10, 2024
"This artical was very helpful on how to exist. It helped me through the hard times of existing." Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Healthy QuizTake QuizPhilosophical Questions QuizTake QuizHow Happy Am I QuizTake QuizHow Long Will I Live QuizTake QuizWhen Will I Die QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toLive a Good LifeHow toEnjoy YourselfHow toLead a Healthy LifeHow to Help Yourself & Your Mental Health
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Purity TestCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Rate My Personality QuizWhich Fictional Character Would Crush On You?What's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizIf I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toTie a Loop KnotHow toMake Body OilHow toMake Almond MilkHow toWash White Clothes by HandHow toSkin a ChickenHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar
Trending Articles
What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizMusic Taste Analyzer: What Do Your Favorite Artists Say About You?My Lookalike GeneratorHow to Tell if a Guy Likes YouHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow toLose Weight Fast
Quizzes & Games
How High Are My Dating Standards QuizTake QuizAm I Worthy of Being Loved QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Are My Personal Values QuizTake QuizWhat Human Emotion Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Are My Morals QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Philosophy and Religion
Philosophy
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by John A. Lundin, PsyD 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: John A. Lundin, PsyD Clinical Psychologist This article was co-authored by John A. Lundin, PsyD. John Lundin, Psy. D. is a clinical psychologist with 20 years experience treating mental health issues. Dr. Lundin specializes in treating anxiety and mood issues in people of all ages. He received his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Wright Institute, and he practices in San Francisco and Oakland in California's Bay Area. This article has been viewed 379,512 times. 140 votes - 88% Co-authors: 86 Updated: October 18, 2025 Views: 379,512 Categories: Philosophy In other languages Italian French Russian Spanish Indonesian Dutch Japanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
482 
1 Meet basic physical needs. Human beings cannot exist in a vacuum - without caring for certain physical needs, humans will soon die. Take care of your basic well being or you'll have a very hard time meaningfully pursuing the more advanced steps. At the bare minimum, humans need to: 
2 Secure your safety. A human's second responsibility, after meeting their innate requirements for life, is to seek out their safety. To thrive, humans can't be worried about whether they will starve or die - such thoughts will override any attempts to reach higher levels of human accomplishment. Here are just a few ways to ensure you're "safe" as a human: 
3 Form human relationships. Famous human Aristotle is remembered as saying: "Man is by nature a social animal; an individual who is unsocial naturally and not accidentally is either beneath our notice or more than human."[4] In your life as a human, you will meet people. Some will make you feel good - these are "friends." You may feel a sexual and/or romantic attraction to some: Such a person is a "romantic interest", who can develop into a spouse. A life lived alone is not a fulfilling one - spend time cultivating healthy relationships for a richer, more emotional life. 
4 Cultivate your self-esteem. Humans feel better when they consider themselves valuable and they know that others consider them valuable. It's easiest to respect yourself and for others to respect you if you've achieved something. Try to strive for success, whether it's at your job or in other activities that you practice for fun (these are called "hobbies.") Know and be confident in your own abilities. Respect humans who respect you. 
5 Validate your existence. Once humans are physically secure, have a foundation of healthy relationships, and have a good self-image, they may begin to ponder questions such as "Why are we here?" Different humans ascribe a variety of purposes to human life. Many humans adopt a set of moral principles or develop their own. Others embark on creative endeavors, expressing their innermost thoughts through art. Others still try to make sense of the universe through science or philosophy. There's no right way to make the most of your existence, but here are just a few ideas: 
6 Learn how to love others and be loved. Love is difficult to define; the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as a feeling of intense affection, attachment, and/or desire for another human.[5] Many humans say that the best thing in life is to love (and be loved by) other human beings. Many humans get married to commit to a life of loving a romantic partner. Others still start families and have children so that they can love someone from the beginning of his or her life to the point that they die. There's no right way to live a love-filled life - all you can do is follow your heart and embrace love's mysterious, inexplicable humanity. 
Community Answer Yes, but it could be a boring and unfulfilling life. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 131 Helpful 464 
Community Answer A human who is incapable of love can still find many other sources of happiness and fulfillment. Do what you enjoy, as long as you're not hurting anybody. Develop your talents and pursue your goals. Try to help others sometimes if you can. Love could still some someday. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 125 Helpful 314 
Community Answer Don't take your self-worth from those around you, you need to find it internally. If you can't control one aspect of your life, throw yourself into something you can control, like self-improvement. Soon enough, your free time will be occupied and friends will come naturally. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 116 Helpful 253