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Do you really need that?

GreenWatch Desk Opinion 2024-02-24, 2:21pm

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Probir Kumar Sarker

Human brains, by default, tend to pick the choice, wish, or dream when it comes to making a decision, as the thoughts of a choice create excitement, forcing them to chase and accomplish it. Why so? It happens because humans wish for something that is aligned with their lifestyle or thoughts -- be it buying a luxury item or an expensive travel plan -- no matter whether it exceeds their financial and other abilities. Thus, only the affluent are able to fulfil their wishes and fantasies.
The rich and privileged quarter -- the smallest portion possessing the largest amount of assets and money -- can also make other people, who are forced to follow a need-based life, happy by sharing and caring which may help the poor experience something that they would never be able to materialize themselves. But this philanthropic tradition is diminishing in the so-called modern era, which promotes individualism and argues that philanthropy is useless.
The poor, who account for the majority of the global population, accept their state of poverty because of their parents and the community they live in. Their brain also creates imagery of unrealistic wishes -- in dreams and when they roam around the rich. Being accustomed to following a need-based lifestyle, these people know how to control their brains and wishes.
The middle-class and the poor people in transition towards the middle-class follow the affluent quarter to materialize their wishes and find it tough to pick between need and choice, especially if the person knows the implications of chasing a choice. While making a decision, these two groups of people feel an obligation to think again, as they cannot follow their hearts or emotions and go for achieving their choices due to their financial inability and the principles they follow in life.
The dilemma of prioritizing a need- or choice-based assessment arises since a normal human brain always creates a counter-argument. In this era of incessant choices, where the world beckons with myriad options, it is imperative to explore the idea that need-based lifestyle decisions may offer a more effective and sustainable path to personal fulfilment.
The human brain, a marvel of evolution, is a realm where decisions are forged through a delicate interplay of emotions, reason, and instinct. When faced with a crucial decision, whether it be career choices, relationships, or daily habits, the mind embarks on a quest to prioritize between need and choice. The dichotomy arises as individuals grapple with the tension between what they desire and what they truly require for a harmonious existence.
One of the inherent challenges of choice-driven decision-making lies in the perpetual creation of counter arguments within the recesses of the human mind. The abundance of options often leads to what is termed “analysis paralysis,” where the mind becomes overwhelmed by conflicting considerations. The shadows of uncertainty and doubt can obscure the pursuit of personal happiness in this cognitive chaos. Need-based living, on the other hand, provides a solid foundation anchored in the recognition of essential requirements for a balanced life, guiding individuals away from the labyrinth of endless choices.
The dilemma deepens when individuals attempt to reconcile their preferences with their genuine needs. While desires and choices may be deeply rooted in personal inclinations, they do not always align with the fundamental pillars that sustain a meaningful existence. Choosing a career based on passion, for instance, may bring temporary satisfaction, but without addressing the fundamental need for financial stability, the journey may be fraught with turbulence. By prioritizing needs over fleeting desires, individuals can build a resilient framework that withstands the ebb and flow of life's uncertainties.
Promptness often becomes a lifeline when confronted with indecision. In the face of complexity, some individuals possess the innate ability to identify the optimal choice swiftly, proving their mettle only when the results of their decisions materialize.
However, the hasty reliance on promptness can be a double-edged sword. It may yield success in the short term but may lack the depth and foresight needed for sustained well-being. In contrast, need-based decision-making involves a deliberate and measured approach, considering long-term consequences, and aligning choices with fundamental requirements for a fulfilling life.
The efficacy of need-based living becomes apparent when we observe those who have mastered the art of balancing personal desires with essential needs. These individuals often display a resilience and sense of purpose that transcend the fleeting highs and lows of momentary choices. A career chosen not only for passion but also aligned with one's skills and the demands of the market, for instance, can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling professional journey.
Furthermore, need-based living fosters a sense of mindfulness and self-awareness. It encourages individuals to reflect on their values, priorities, and long-term goals, steering them away from the allure of superficial choices that may provide momentary gratification but lack enduring significance. The ability to prioritize needs over impulsive decisions becomes a powerful antidote to the pervasive culture of overconsumption and discontent in a society that values instant gratification.
Hence, the labyrinth of choices that defines the modern human experience can be navigated more effectively by embracing a need-based lifestyle. While the allure of personal preferences and the thrill of choices may captivate the human spirit, a foundation built on essential needs offers a more stable and enduring path to personal fulfillment.
By acknowledging the intrinsic value of need-based living, individuals can chart a course that aligns their choices with the fundamental requirements for a balanced and meaningful existence. In the symphony of life, where choices abound, it is the discerning notes of need-based decision-making that compose a melody of lasting harmony.