Can We Live Without Necessities?
Humans have a unique relationship with the concept of necessities, which prompt us to question our reliance on various aspects of modern life.
Defining Necessities
According to psychological and philosophical perspectives, all that we truly need to survive includes basic essentials: food, clothing, shelter, and personal contact. However, modern advancements, especially in the medical field, have introduced new necessities, particularly in first-world countries. For instance, those living in developed nations often require medical care and treatments more sophisticated than what was available even a few decades ago, significantly extending their life span.
Modern Dependencies
Today, many of us have become deeply dependent on technology and electronics. From smartphones to electric cars, our lives are intertwined with digital devices. Despite this, it is crucial to recognize that there are situations where these advancements become less accessible, such as during extended power outages. The aftermath of hurricanes highlights the vulnerability of such dependencies. Take, for example, the residents of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Ida, who faced prolonged power outages, making even basic tasks like communication challenging.
Survival vs. Luxury
While we might be able to live without certain modern conveniences, it is impossible to survive without the fundamental necessities of life. Beyond food, clothing, and shelter, our recognition of others and social interaction play a vital role in our survival and well-being. However, modernization often introduces a blurred line between needs and wants. For instance, movies, cigarette smoking, and other entertainment forms are not essential for survival but are widely embraced as part of the modern lifestyle.
Mindfulness and Buddhism
To explore this concept further, we can turn to the teachings of Buddhism. The Buddha's teachings in the Girimananda Sutta emphasize the impermanence and subjective nature of desires and fabrications (sankhara). The Sutta suggests that all conditioned phenomena (sa-khara) are subject to change and stress, making them less than desirable or essential. The quote from the Sutta translates to:
One is subjected to stress, one should be ashamed of engaging in such useless activity, and liking sa-khara is like embracing urine and feces. That is the anicca associated with all sankhara.
This passage challenges the notion that all desires and fabrications are necessary, highlighting that clinging to such impermanent phenomena can lead to suffering.
Conclusion
While we can certainly improve our quality of life with modern conveniences, it is essential to recognize the true necessities that underpin our survival. By understanding the impermanence of desires, we can lead more balanced and fulfilling lives. As highlighted by the teachings of the Buddha, true fulfillment lies in recognizing and addressing our essential needs rather than chasing fleeting forms of happiness.
Related keywords: necessities, basic needs, survival, modern dependencies