According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, both S.A. Ramanujan and Ustad Bismillah Khan were motivated by the highest level of needs — self-actualisation. This need reflects an individual's motive towards the fullest development of potential. As exceptional achievers in mathematics and music respectively, they demonstrated qualities of self-actualised persons — being creative, open to novelty and challenge, and striving for excellence in their fields. Their exceptional performances were not merely driven by basic physiological needs or safety needs, but by a deep inner drive to realise their potential.

Placing myself and five known people on this hierarchy: A struggling daily wage labourer may be at the physiological needs level, struggling for basic survival. An individual living in a conflict zone may be focused on safety needs. A college student actively participating in social clubs may be fulfilling love and belongingness needs. A professional seeking promotions and recognition operates at the esteem needs level, developing a sense of self-worth. Renowned personalities like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Sachin Tendulkar, and Lata Mangeshkar, like Ramanujan and Bismillah Khan, reached the self-actualisation level, showing creativity, spontaneity, and social responsiveness.

This analysis shows that while basic needs must be met first, exceptional achievement requires reaching the highest level of need satisfaction.