The path to Tranquility (spring)
35. Distinguish between needs and desires
In an age of material and information overload, we tend to confuse "needs" and "desires", but there is an essential difference between the two. The so-called "needs" are things that are indispensable for maintaining basic life and physical and mental health; while "desires" are the inner pursuit of non-essential goods and behaviors. Learning to distinguish between them can not only help us manage resources and emotions rationally, but also make life freer and more sober.
Without the ability to distinguish between needs and desires, we ignore our true needs and waste time and money pursuing desires that only provide temporary satisfaction. A simple rule of thumb is: everything that is irreplaceable is a true need; everything that is replaceable is a desire. In other words, we need only what helps promote life and consciousness; but our desires are strong and we want many things.
"Needs" are irreplaceable and closely related to survival and growth. In addition to basic physiological needs such as water, food, sleep, and air, we also need a sense of security, belonging, understanding, and respect - these are psychological needs. Spiritual needs include learning, self-exploration, and awareness, which support our inner growth and the realization of our life goals.
In contrast, "desire" is usually acquired, influenced by external factors such as culture, society, and the media, and is a habitual pursuit. Other people's ostentatious lifestyles and commercials often make us mistakenly believe that certain things are indispensable. We are also indoctrinated with the idea that the more we have, the more successful and happy we will be. As a result, we pursue unnecessary items or relationships in order to gain external recognition, but ignore true inner growth.
Meeting needs is the most basic and important task in life. When real needs are met, we will feel deep peace and joy; but if they are not met for a long time, we will not only feel pain, but also breed desires. For example, if we are hungry for too long, we will not only crave food, but also be greedy; if we are lonely for too long, we may seek a lot of interpersonal relationships instead of deep connections. By analyzing our own desires, we can discover the root of emotions and thus discover the real needs that are not met.
The pursuit of desire often comes at a high price: unfulfilled expectations bring anxiety and loss; having too many material things or relationships becomes a burden in life; the pursuit of fame and fortune makes us physically and mentally exhausted. Even spiritual desires, such as the pursuit of fantasy and perfection or escapism, can make us lose our way and even lead to danger.
What is more serious is that personal desires can also evolve into social problems, such as excessive consumption causing waste of resources and environmental pollution, luxury culture exacerbating social injustice, and even triggering wars and disasters due to the desire for territory and power. It can be said that desire is a trap disguised as need. It is like a bottomless abyss that makes people fall deeper and deeper, and eventually devours life and soul. If we let desires override needs, we will deviate from the track of progress and fall into meaningless running around and conflicts.
Consciousness is our most fundamental "need" because it reflects our true existence and is the standard for measuring all choices and actions. Our understanding of "needs" should not be limited to basic physiological or psychological needs, but should include the pursuit of quality and meaning in life. A profound conversation, a reflection on life, or an inspiring book can all enhance our consciousness and are irreplaceable practical needs.
Therefore, transforming the pursuit of desire into the pursuit of consciousness is the key to achieving an awakened life. Before every action, we can ask ourselves: "Is this decision to promote life and awareness, or is it just to fill emptiness?" Such reflection can help us cherish everything we have, reduce our desire for external things, learn to give up unnecessary items and interactions, and return to a kind of external simplicity and internal richness.
Families and schools should also take on the responsibility of stimulating the potential of consciousness, teach children to distinguish between needs and desires, and cultivate a sound outlook on life. Through curiosity, we can explore the world in depth, combine learning with practice, and let consciousness grow rapidly. This can reduce our dependence on material and emotional things, calm desires naturally, and make our body and mind healthier.
Distinguishing between needs and desires is an important lesson in learning how to achieve happiness. Needs are the cornerstone of life, bringing security and stability; desires push us to the edge of nothingness and danger. Through constant reflection and practice, we can invest resources and energy in what is truly important, establish a balanced mentality, maintain the real needs in life, and let go of unnecessary desires. Let us firmly believe that only a simple, healthy, and free life is the source of happiness.
34. Accept everything without hesitation
36. Don't forget to utilize logical thinking
