I've been thinking about what I need versus what I want lately.
Based on the classic model of human needs my prymid has a lot of holes. I this model is way to simple.
For example the first layer is basicly avoid starvation. How does $5 coffee and $100 dinners fit into t this? It a mixture of the upper levels. What needs does being on Prince.org fullfill? Why am I sure that if my income double, I just want it to double again, probably soon?

Most religions tell us that freeing ourselfs from needs is the road to happiness, but I'm not going to wear burlap sacks and move into a cave anytime soon.

I often say I don't care what people think, but I won't leave the house looking aany old way.

What are all you needs filled?
How's things stacking up for you?
[Edited 9/16/07 18:40pm]

you mean me don't you

today I am needy needy needy!

Needs and wants are different things, though. Sometimes we forget...

I find I do not need much in the way of material things actually I am living in a place that gets emptier by the day and I am fine with that.
I struggle with needing my unconditional love from my best friend/companion that has been by my side for the past 13 years that I now cannot let go of though it is time.

littlemissG said:

$100 dinners don't fit into the first level at all. Like you said, that level is about avoiding starvation and satisfying other very rudimentary physiological needs.



I'd say that for some, it's the third level from the top. For others, it's the second. For a few, it's the top level.



Because humans are always looking for new challenges. It's in our nature.



What they mean is not really that we should free ourselves from our basic needs, but rather that we should try to get rid of unnecessary things that distract us on the way to the more important goals. At least that's my interpretation.



We all care what others think to a certain extent no matter how much we sometimes try to deny it to ourselves and others.



I don't understand the question.



I don't understand that question either.

What's the saying...that you can live happier on 20% of what you have/take in now? 80% of what we consume, use and "need" is supposedly completely unnecessary, and actually gets in the way of true happiness, or something like that...

I could cut down to 20%, I think...

I don't know. Post some pics!

CarrieMpls said:

in our house- we have a list 4 both


the "want" list is always longer than the "need"

Mars23 said:

prb said:

That's a good thing though!

hmmm.


I vacillate between layers 2 and 3, and pretend that I'm in layer 1 most of the time.

would "fun" be a want or a need?

retina said:

ty- i know it is- it just isnt much fun sometimes

ZombieKitten said:

I think it's always tricky to draw the line exactly where the needs end and the wants begin, but I'd say that for the most part, fun is definitely a want. The only time it's a need is if the supply of it is so low that our mental and/or emotional health is at risk.

I'm needy. But in the end. I don't care. I say well. oh well. Then I love them.

retina said:

without any fun I go mental

ZombieKitten said:

Yeah, that's what I was saying.

retina said:

it is actually happening to me right now

ZombieKitten said:

I know the feeling...

Imago said:

I don't even bother pretending anymore.

well, i don't agree with that pyramid. it seems.... out of context maybe?

where's sex on there?

Since my computer monitor is fucking up I can't read the chart, but I feel pretty good about knowing what I need vs. what I want. I just allow myself to indulge in the wants, beat myself up about it & then move on to the next want. It's a vicious cycle of want. I want to get over the vicious cycle of want.

Oh wait, my monitor just cleared up. But I don't want to read the little chart.



& it's screwy again, & I want it to be clear. b/c I want to Org for another 5 minutes & head out for the dinner that I want to have. Want want want want want want want...

what is self-actualization? Will I know once I attain it?

ZombieKitten said:

CalhounSq said:

this stuff is going over my head

The older I get, the less I need in order to be happy. A lot of this has to do with not worrying about what other people think and having a stronger sense of self. I often say I could be happy now with nothing but a bed and my laptop and I'm not exaggerating by much.

Most people are running around, seeking things they've been conditioned to believe will bring them happiness. The irony is, it's all on the inside. I'm often amazed that so many people live their whole lives without realizing this, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. How many times do you have to bump your head before you realize it's a trompe-l'oeil?

ZombieKitten said:

As I understand it, it's basically when you try to fulfill your potential by using your individual gifts to their fullest. It's not really something you "attain" but rather an ongoing process in life (which is why it's the top layer).

You could say that the line between needs and wants starts to get blurry in that layer.

retina said:

I reckon hardly anyone ever gets to that, so many folks get to do only what necessity requires of them

Why do you care?

wlcm2thdwn said:

theres a need to know!