[EV Writing ep.7] Needs vs. Wants
Let’s start by defining these two words.
• Needs: Things that are essential and necessary for daily life.
• Wants: Things that are not essential — life goes on even without them.
What’s the difference?
Here’s a simple way to put it:
Master Sheng Yen once said, “Needs are few, wants are many.” This was my old way of thinking. His words mean that as long as people have a few sets of clothes, basic food, and a suitable home, they have enough to live. Needs are about survival — choosing what you can afford to maintain your life.
Wants, on the other hand, go beyond survival. They are things you desire — not because you need them, but because they bring you satisfaction, joy, or a sense of achievement. Understanding this difference can help reduce unnecessary suffering. Why? Because people often compare themselves with others, focusing on what others have that they don’t. This creates envy, dissatisfaction, and a constant feeling of lack.
I used to believe that being content with little was the key to peace. However, a book I recently read completely changed my perspective. It challenged me to let go of guilt and stop thinking that setting ambitious goals is negative. Instead, it encouraged me to embrace the idea that the world is full of infinite possibilities.
“Have the courage to set bold goals. If you stay true to your vision, the universe will align to support you.”
This realization led me to an important question:
If I continue to follow my “old thinking”, I align with the life of a Buddhist monk, distancing myself from worldly desires, relationships, and ambitions.
But if I embrace this new mindset, I choose the life of a creator, seeking every possibility to turn my dreams into reality.
So, which path would you choose? The way of Buddhism or the way of a dream creator?