Needs vs Wants
As time goes by, products and stuff that are getting invented are crazy that almost all people would want to have it. Not only that, some things are done easier when using innovative products. Most people would say, “I need this!” but the real question is…do you really?
Needs are something you must have in order to thrive. They are easy to know and understand because needs are what keeps us going on. A place to live, clothes to wear, food and water to eat and drink―these are every human being’s essential need. But some people have specific needs in life. For instance; a sick person who needs medicine. They need this because, without it, they will not be able to continue living normally because that sickness will eat them alive. Needs remain constant over time.
Wants are a choice. It is your choice to get such a thing because you desire it. These are the ones that most people still couldn’t distinguish very well from needs, “I need this new phone!” is an example. Why would you need a new one, when you still have a perfectly working phone? Always remember the definitions of needs and wants. Wants may change over time.
How do we perfectly distinguish the two? You are the one to decide which is which. Do I need a new pair of shoes? Or do I want one? It depends on your situation. Maybe you need a new pair because your old pair is already worn out, or you want a new pair because your favorite brand has released a new line of shoe design. Another way is to decide on your priorities. Priorities are things that are regarded as important; in this case, the important things are your needs. What do I need to buy?
What happens if you don’t fulfill your needs and wants? Non-fulfillment of needs may result in a long-time sickness―or worse, death. It means you have failed in giving yourself the things that will help you thrive. Whilst, non-fulfillment of wants will only give disappointment or for some cases, sadness. But these are temporary. Have you ever seen a child who wasn’t given candy when he/she was young; who are still crying over it right now? Your desire to have such things and not having it lets you gain these emotions, but with a few thinking here and there, you can immediately get over it. Because wants are inessential. They are not needed. No matter how much we flip these situations over and over; needs will always remain as important. Even with no questions asked.
Here’s some key information in knowing the difference between the two:
- Needs are essential. Wants are inessential.
- Needs are a human’s basic requirement in order to live. Wants are what humans would like to have.
- Needs are something you must have. Wants are something you wish to have.
- Needs; necessities. Wants; desires.
- Needs are required for a lifetime and do not change over time. Wants are temporary and will change over time.
In what we have talked about here, the basis of needs can be distinguished in how important it is. Such as healthcare, education, and the like.