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Okay so Maslowe's hierarchy of needs, often modeled as a pyramid, doesn't actually hold up to scrutiny at the detail level. Think back to how chemistry is taught throughout school, they first teach you that atoms exist with no further elaboration, then model it as the sun nucleus orbited by planet electrons, then in high school or college they hit you with the 1S2 2S2 2P6 stuff? Earlier models are deliberately inaccurate to help get the point across for new learners? Maslowe's pyramid is kind of like that. it's not exactly pseudoscience, but it's not a law of physics like f=ma either.

It was taught in my psychology class as a rigid structure, that this need is always more pressing than that need, and that they always come in this order because if the lower levels of the pyramid aren't sturdy you can't build atop them.

Strict interpretation of the pyramid puts the need for moderate temperature, a homeostasis need, as the bottom-most foundational layer of the pyramid, below and thus more important than physical safety. So obviously no human in history has ever run out into a cold snowy night to escape a maniac with an axe. Can't be done. That guy is going to hack me into pieces, but it's warm in here so there's nothing to be done.

Students deprive themselves of sleep to study their coursework. Sleep is another homeostasis need, what layer of the pyramid does studying university coursework satisfy? Social and romance needs are modeled above physical safety and security, so nobody's ever stepped into danger in front of a loved one, right? Or forego starting a family in favor of pursuing career or academic goals?

The concept of the pyramid also comes with the idea that meeting your needs is a project to be completed where it's an ongoing process for your entire life.