Want VS Need

There are a lot of needy people living in our country, and in countries around the globe.  Have you seen that commercial for the new steam-vacuum?  Feel like you need it?  If not, the advertiser isn't doing their job.  We are bombarded with apparent needs all day long, whether it's on television, the radio, in a movie, or in conversation.  In a shocking play of words (much like the current trend of using 'free market' instead of 'capitalism') the media has replaced 'want' with the ever present 'need.'

What is need?  As boring as dictionary definitions are, Wikipedia states, "A need is something that is necessary for organisms to live a healthy life."  This may be the definition the government chooses to use in it's mission statement.  If using this broad definition, health care is a need, a low-fat diet is a need, government handouts are a need, a hybrid car is a need.  The list could go on and on.  I prefer to use Dictionary.com's definition of need, "A requirement."  So if a need is really a requirement, then what are the base requirements for life?

There are three basic needs for human life.  They are food, water, and shelter.  If you have food, water, and shelter, you will be able to survive.  The important thing to remember is that the amount of time you will be able to survive is not guaranteed, and it depends on much food and water you can find, and what sort of shelter you have.  Also, I am not taking into account any sort of disease that requires medication or treatment in order for you to live.  But if we look at the simplest aspect, if you have these three things, you should be able to live.  It probably won't be in comfort, but you will live.

That is where needs end, at least for those who do not have a disease or illness that requires treatment.  Everything else in life is made up of wants.  I want a bed to sleep in.  I want a car to drive.  I want to own a TV.  I want to eat a hamburger.  I do not need a bed to sleep in, I could sleep on the floor or on the ground.  I do not need a car, there are several other modes of transportation available to me.  I do not need a television and I do not need to eat a hamburger, there are several other foods that would sustain me.

So if we don't need all these fancy things, why do we use the word 'need' instead of 'want?'  We use it simply because the government and media want us to use it.  Need implies some sort of dependency, while want implies a self-reliance.  To break it down further, need is a weak word and want is a strong word.  The media and government would rather have weak citizens than strong citizens.  It is easier to control weak citizens.

Ads are designed to target this weakness and convince people that they need a new mattress, a new car, or a new vacuum.  You never hear one of those TV announcers say, "You don't need our product, your current vacuum will do the same thing, ours just looks better."  No, they set up a situation where they can prey upon any self-doubt you have, any weakness hiding in your mind.  If you don't buy their product, you will be outdated and laughed at by your friends, family and peers.  The same is true of the government.

If you don't support the health care bill, you are denying people who need your help.  Here's a secret, they don't need your help, they want your help.  But the government says that they need it, so you have to give it.  They have to use the term need, because usually the people who benefit from laws like that don't have anything of value to contribute or offer in exchange of the benefits they are receiving.  If I come upon a homeless person sitting on the side of the street with his hand out, I will never give him money.  If a homeless person wants to work for his money, then I would gladly hire him to mow my lawn, take out my trash, any number of things.

When you use the term need, you are, in essence, asking for something in exchange for nothing.  The problem is we can't just blame the media or the government, because we do it too, unconsciously.  We need to be just as vigilant with ourselves as we are with everybody else.  If you want something, say you want it, don't say you need it.  If you have food, water, and shelter, everything else is a want.  There is nothing to be ashamed of if you want something.  Want is a proud desire.  It is true that we are living with more than we need, but once you secure food, water, and shelter, life is no longer about need, life is all about want.

© Nate Phillipps 2010