In elementary school, we learn that there is a difference between needs and wants. Needs are items that secures our survival. Shelter, food, water, and air are the most basic needs there are. Some would argue that clothing should be included in the list, but for some people, clothes aren’t needed (others would perish with clothing I know but not everyone needs clothes so it doesn’t make the top four).
"Needs" can also infer something that someone has grown accustomed to and needs psychologically, like cigarettes or coffee. The human body doesn't need those for survival, but one's mind might be yelling nonstop at itself until he or she has the first puff of smoke or cup of joe in the morning. Without their "fix" these humans can sometimes resemble apes as inferred from the slouched posture and language based on grunts and growls. heaven forbid you cross them in this state.
My personal needs are as follows:
1. The basic four: food, water, shelter, and air.
2. Company. Because I grew up 24/7 with my twin brother, I feel lost and very depressed when I am alone. I thrive when I have some form of social interaction. I would rather be bored with my friends than having fun by myself. Now there are times in which that I do enjoy being alone, but I always have one way or another to contact someone with me at all times. This is so that I can touch the outside world just in case I choose to do so.
3. A way to express myself. Besides being a corporate zombie, I need a way to be my own person. I need a way to change my hair colour the way I see fit. If I want to put another hole in my body, I need to be able to get it done ASAP. Same with tattoos. And yes, I do realize those are wants, not needs, but they’re a bit higher on the food chain than a specific type of beer or the latest Tool CD. They are an extension of my personality, and therefore a need.
Friends and family is all I need to lead a comfortable life. I take care of them as I would take care of myself, if not better. In turn, they will do the same. My friends know that I don't keep a running tab on how much I spend versus the amount they spend; its just all for the greater good of friendship and fun. They are my pillars, my foundation, my ceiling, and my walls. They are everything to me and without them, life would not have meaning.
1 comment:
It's interesting that you post this right behind "Damaging Solutions From the Frappuccino® Generation". What responsibility do you think we, the privileged, share in making sure that all people get their basic 4? You said that "Friends and family is all I need to lead a comfortable life. I take care of them as I would take care of myself, if not better." I think that the reason why there are sweatshops is because people don't take care of each other. If everyone took the same attitude towards ALL people that you take towards your closest, sweatshops wouldn't exist. The fact is that America holds 4.5% of the worlds population, yet consumes 1/4 of the world's resources and produces 1/4 of the world's pollution.
Would you stop treating yourself and your friend's better, deny yourself your other needs if it meant kids working in sweatshops could get fresh air?
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