With the news that Americans are saving more and changing their lifestyles (at least for the duration of the recession), I’ve been thinking about needs vs. wants , and how the current situation is bringing this into focus for many. And I started looking at my life, and wondering whether or not some of the things I see as “needs” are actually wants. Here are some things 
our culture has come to see as “needs” in the past two decades :
- Second car
- Television with cable or satellite service
- Computer with Internet access
- Lots of activities for our kids
- Cells phones
- Eating take out (or going to a restaurant)
- Video game systems
I’m sure you can think of several other things that seem necessary. All of these items cost money. The advent of easy credit in the mid-1980s, and its acceleration in the 1990s, has made buying these things convenient. Indeed, instead of saying “no”, we as a society become prone to giving into temptation and pulling out the plastic.
But now, we, as a society, are realizing that many of our “needs” are actually wants . Everyone in the family does not need a cell phone. Unless you work from home, Internet access is not required. And, of course, there is very little use in having cable or satellite TV service. While I love our second car for the convenience it offers, I know that we don’t need it, and that it is really a luxury.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying luxuries and indulging in some wants. However, splurging should be done in moderation . Additionally, it is important make sure that you can afford the luxuries that you purchase. Recongnize the difference between needs and want s, and remember that if you can’t afford the wants, you should probably learn to say no.
Image source: William Hook via Flickr
Post from: Bizzia
译文:
你想要的是生活必需吗？
新闻透露目前美国人真是一改以往的生活习惯，开始注重节俭（起码来说在这个经济萧条期是这样），我也一直在考虑什么是需求和欲望，还有目前的整体状况对人们来说那个更为重要。我对我自己的生活开始了审视，到底那些看似必需的东西是否正的需要，譬如，有些东西在我们过去的20年是必需的。
1.二手车
2.有线电视或是卫星节目
3.上网电脑
4.孩子的一些娱乐节目或是项目
5.手机
6.不在家吃饭（饭店就餐）
7.视频游戏等，
我敢保证你一定会认为总有那么几样东西是必需的。这些东西也一定需要你破费些银两。1980年中出现的扩大信用运动，在1990年得到推广，方便了人们购物，可是事实告诉我们不是，我们的社会充满诱惑，我们总是从商场里不断地采购物品。
但是现在，真正认识到了，其实有很多东西是我们自己主观想要的，而不是生活必需的。不是家庭的每个人都需要移动电话。如果你不在家办公，其实网络也是没有需要的，其实有线电视和卫星电视真的用处不大。虽然我也很满意我们二手车给我们带来的方便，但是我知道其实我们可以不需要它，有它确实是有点奢侈。
其实消费奢侈品和追求奢侈品本身是没有错误的。但是，炫耀或是挥霍就应该三思了。另外，最为重要的一点就是你要有能力去支付这些奢侈品，认清必需和想要的区别，并时时记着对你购买不起确又想要的东西说不。