More on "Needs"
In second grade we had a whole 2-hour lesson on the difference between "needs" and "wants." Mrs. Fairweather passed out a sheet with different images, including food, clothes, toys, etc., and by the end of the lesson we had to circle the images representing what we needed in order to prove we could differentiate between what we need and what we want.
In second grade we were learning the basic needs- what we need to survive. They taught us that when we are hungry, we need food; when we are thirsty, we need water; if we are cold, we need warmth; when we are tired, we need rest. Reflecting on this in the present, it's not exactly true. Most of us were fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of an endless supply of food, drinks, shelter, clothes, love, toys, sleep, movies, and games. We never needed anything. Even now, such as how Sowell mentions in his essay "Needs," food, the quickest "need" that comes to mind, is not needed when we are in a country with problems such as overproduction and obesity. If a need is something that is absolutely necessary and without it death will come quick, then I have never needed anything. Ever. Instead, I've wanted plenty.
In second grade we were learning the basic needs- what we need to survive. They taught us that when we are hungry, we need food; when we are thirsty, we need water; if we are cold, we need warmth; when we are tired, we need rest. Reflecting on this in the present, it's not exactly true. Most of us were fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of an endless supply of food, drinks, shelter, clothes, love, toys, sleep, movies, and games. We never needed anything. Even now, such as how Sowell mentions in his essay "Needs," food, the quickest "need" that comes to mind, is not needed when we are in a country with problems such as overproduction and obesity. If a need is something that is absolutely necessary and without it death will come quick, then I have never needed anything. Ever. Instead, I've wanted plenty.
I love how in the middle of this blog your tone shifted drastically and you exposed the reality of the society we live in (just like Sowell did). (Also, I can totally remember the same 2-hour lesson on needs and wants which makes the whole piece relatable to many others.)
ReplyDeleteWow, I love your syntax variety and your firm stance on this topic. This is a lovely extension of our in-class discussion.
ReplyDeleteI like how you looked at a habit and then located the sources of it. Well done!
ReplyDelete