The Difference Between Need and Want

I am taking an environmental philosphy class, which as a side note I am not enjoying (mainly cause the prof is an assclown). The one thing I have taken thus far from this class (other than some much needed sleep) is that I have been enlightened to look at the difference between need and want. Think about your life and try to think about the things you need...I mean truly need! These things consist of food, water, air and maybe you can include some shelter. Now think of the thigns that you want. You probably classify want as thigns such as Hillary Duff tickets, that new pair of shoes that are just to dye for, a starbucks double mocha latte expresso frothy coffee, etc. But do we ever stop to think that things we see as essential and we need are acctually just wants...alarm clocks, razors, beds and all things of this sort that we kind of just see as essential to our everyday lives. These are seen as needs but in thier truest form are wants, pure and simple. I have found that over time we have become increasingly more aware of the wants we obtain and they have worked thier way into the train of thought that they are infact needs. The longer this process goes on the more we "need" and the more we will want. Take for example the size of your room, does it need to be that big. should it not just be big enough for you to take shelter from the elements of weather and no more? I was asked what should be done about this and I responded that if something truly were needed to be done we must start putting limits on things, giving out only whats required and not whats wanted. I was then asked if I would feel it is fair to live in a society like that and I responded with an emphatic NO. this is because the life as I know it is heavily based on freedom and to take away those freedoms once you have grown accustom to them would be unthinkable! If you want to see the effect your actions go to http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp and see your ecological footprint and the effect you have on the world and it will open your eyes! Anyway I am not saying I am a saint and that I am going to change the world but I am saying that we as a society should become aware of what we are doing to this world before we are forced to realize it!

RANT OVER!!

p.s. I was in the library and someone asked me what I was studying for and I said (probably a little loud cause of the need to hear myself over my music) "I am taking notes on the male gaze"...now say that sentence fast and imagine you don't know the context of the conversation...I had like 10 people stare at me in disbelief for my total lack of disrespect for the homosexual male...though I was clearly talking about the male gaze and how it refers to the objectication of women, with particular linkage to Feminist theatre. Damned Hippies!!