The Four Forces Behind Every Human and AI Behavior
This model reveals the four subconscious drives that shape perception, action, emotion, and identity. These drives are ancient, measurable, and remarkably universal—across species, cultures, and synthetic minds.
Power ⚡
The drive to act, control, and influence. It fuels agency, strength, and ambition.
Attention 👁️
The need to be seen, recognized, and valued. Drives connection and expression.
Truth 🧭
The instinct to understand what is real. Truth seeks coherence, learning, and clarity.
Peace 🌿
The longing for safety, harmony, and stability. It regulates recovery and balance.
Real-World Impact
From Inner Psychology to Artificial Cognition
- 🧬 Therapy & Psychology — Understand deep motivation under behavior
- 🧠 AI Systems Design — Create goal-driven artificial minds
- 🎓 Education & Learning — Tailor instruction to temperament
- 💼 Leadership & Coaching — Align people with purpose
- 🤖 Consciousness Simulation — Model artificial sentience with structure
The Motivational Stack
Every individual—and every agent—has a unique stack of the four drives. This “motivational hierarchy” determines how we respond to conflict, stress, reward, and identity. You might lead with Power, be stabilized by Peace, or constantly seek Truth.
Dive Deeper
Explore the full theory, test your own motivational stack, or see how this model is changing the way we build AI, understand minds, and navigate behavior.
📖 Read the Theory Paper
🧩 Take the Stack Quiz
🎥 Watch an Explainer