Need Vs. Want

What is the difference between a need and want?

I think many people have tried to answer this question before me and many would continue to do so after me. But is there any absolute answer to this question? I guess not, otherwise I would not be writing this as I am.

The basis for answering this question would be to understand that each individual irrespective of his being part of a group in some way or the other is a unique entity which has no other instance i.e. to say that his individuality is a universal and absolute truth and there is nothing relative about it. Out of this individuality arise each individual’s unique needs. Now these needs are nothing but the basic, primary requirements which are important for a dignified existence. But the interesting thing to note here is that we as human beings have some needs that are common to all of us and these needs transcend individuality. However there are also some needs that crop up because of a person’s uniqueness in some cases.

Wants on the other hand may be conceived as purely superficial requirements that people think are important to them. Unlike needs a person can survive without his wants. But it is his wants that give rise to his uniqueness. It has more to do with the individuals social standing, his material cravings, a constant desire to prove to others that he is better than the rest or in some cases a childhood dream that needs to be fulfilled. There is another very important difference between needs and wants. Whereas needs can be completely satisfied, one can never completely stop wanting. As one achieves what one wants, another one creeps up. For example once you realise that you have had enough food, you would not go on stuffing more. But when you have had that watch or bike or cellular phone, you would want something else. It’s an empty pit that you can never hope to fill till the day you are dead.