John B. on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 18:42:44 +0700 typed
in rec.crafts.metalworking the following:

My Lady and I had a similar discussion on "Wants" vs "Needs."
there are only so many things which qualify as true "needs": air
water, food and shelter. Much of what we "need" is really a want. Do
people really "need" cars? Do they need windows, doors and heaters?
(What is the hot sports car, the one which comes without a roof,
radio, heater or other heavy weight adding items?)

Exactly. Without poking a stick in anyone's eye, there was a
discussion here about smelly dish washers and I thought, "I don't
believe that I actually know anyone that has a dishwasher". I asked my
wife and she didn't know anyone either.
I'm now wondering whether we are really living the good life?

The issue is: what is wanted? "Simple transportation" - a
horseless carriage powered by a one cylinder gasoline engine? Or a
car with internal environmental controls, an efficient gasoline
engine, tinted windows with electrical controls?

Exactly. But of course, one needs the ABS system, the tinted windows,
the air con with the his and her's controls, the automatic gearbox,
power steering and a two tone paint job, and all the rest.... to drive
down to the super market to get a box of cereal.

At least that is how the T.V. portrays it :-)

And try to get a car without all the doodads. Or a cell phone. Or
an MP3 player.

"Oh, marketing determined they don't sell."
They don't sell because people can't buy what isn't being made!

--
pyotr filipivich
"With Age comes Wisdom. Although more often, Age travels alone."