This chapter expands the economic understanding of needs and preferences. It argues that standard economic models neglect fundamental psychological needs that drive human behavior. The text examines existential and epistemic needs for security, control, avoidance of ambiguity, consistency, and predictability. Furthermore, relational needs for identification, belonging, and social recognition are analyzed. Finally, the chapter discusses agency needs, such as the need for self-esteem, self-determination, and the feeling of being able to act effectively, self-efficacy. It thus describes a more comprehensive picture of human motivation to act. Taking this broader perspective into account is crucial to better understand the complexity of individual decision-making in different contexts, especially in today’s VUCA world.