What is your definition of "needs" and "wants"

[country lady]

Dunkopf and I seem to have a friendly disagreement of the definition of "needs" and "wants." If you think there is the remotest possibility of another "Great Depression," what is your definition? IMO, the politicians and most Americans do not believe we can slip into a Depression. In Utopia, there would be no corruption and everyone would be an ideal citizen. Personally, I would have no, NONE, tolerance of corruption by anyone.

I think there are tiers of NEEDS: security (Federal/local), shelter, and food.

2nd tier: infrastructure, health care, education, and basic welfare (any able bodied adult would contribute something, if only community service.)

To me, those are NEEDS. Do you have an opinion?

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

If I can survive without it its a want.

Which if you think about it makes everything short of air an wildlife an want.

 

[KansasBoy]

Quote:
...and water!

 

[EweSheep]

It is a very good question!

Coal, wood and gas is a NEED!


I don't honestly see a depression coming up but a very long, stubborn recession that really tests our American spirits. I think we will be fine, yeah, I'm a cockeyed optimist!

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Quote:
...and water!

Yea, that too... But then again, that could be extracted from both air an wildlife.

 

[desertdarlene]

If it's something that will keep you healthy and alive, it's a need. Everything else is technically a want or an extra. Some may argue that free libraries and education are needs because in order to survive, you have to have knowledge to function in society and earn a living, especially in today's mostly non-farm, non-hunting society.

 

[chickensioux]

Needs: food, shelter, warmth, clothing, job, reliable transportion, etc.
Wants: pets, jewelry, anything you like and want but can live without.

 

[LittleChickenLady]

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I don't feel that transportation is a need, it's a want. You could walk if needed, but you don't want to, so it's a want.

 

[BuckWildChickens]

Quote:
...and water!

I agree!!

 

[Orchid]

Quote:
I don't feel that transportation is a need, it's a want. You could walk if needed, but you don't want to, so it's a want.

That's kind of subjective. I work 16 miles from where I live. In my case, transportation is a need if I have to work.

The only true needs are food, water and shelter from the elements that would kill us, but for most of us that involves working to pay for those things. Now, if you can stand to live naked in a cave next to a stream and eat nuts and berries and maybe a snared bird or rabbit - then your life would be very simple!