That sounds a lot like the three sets of stages from the Spiral Growth theory - survival, success, and transcendence. The survival stages are Maslow's "deficiency needs" stages, where resources have to come primarily from outside the self (because the individual wasn't born with them). A small child needs to be given food, water, shelter, educational opportunities, etc. The sucess stages are when individuals start to experience themselves as a part of the rest of the world, while still mostly being focused on the self, and on being able to take care of themselves using both internal and external resources. And the transcendent stages are Maslow's "being needs" stages when individuals are motivated by the desire to care for the whole world.
The three stages you've offered to us, Steve, are basically the same as the Spiral Growth theory sets of stages, except that the Spiral Growth theory includes a third dimension of healthy vs. unhealthy growth. Those who don't get their needs met in a healthy way, will be sick, and not be able to grow into successful, interdependent individuals. Those who's needs are met, especially at the bottom levels of Maslow's hierarchy (nutritious food, clean water and air, rest/exercise, sensory input, shelter, love and belongingness, effectiveness, etc.) will naturally grow, healthfully, into successful, happy, creative, effective, and transcendent individuals.
Also, healthy transcendent individuals realize that everyone, no matter what stage they are at, is valuable and contributes to society, even those in the survival stages (self-focused), especially since giving to others and helping others (such as those extra needy folks in the survival stages) makes us healthier. Generosity heals, everyone...
Peace, Love, and Bicycles,
Turil
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