I feel like our "needs" have risen exponentially over the past century, and I wonder if we really NEED certain things like:

  • Health Insurance: OK that's a biggie, but keep in mind that there was no such thing before the Industrial Age, when employers started offering it as a "perk" Now, everyone HAS to have it--and the taxpayers have to support it--which is fine, but are we entitled to everything? And can't we invest more in prevention than treatment? When no one is taking money out of their pockets to pay for this stuff, the cost will inflate ad infinitum
  • A million in the bank before you retire: Another myth, I think. Why? Why is the paradigm save a million and live off the interest and then leave the principal to your heirs? Can't there be another paradigm, like just keep busy and earn your keep as you go?
  • Climate control: I went without air conditioning for 4 years while our central unit was broken, and guess what--I didn't melt. And I saved a heap in my electrical bill
  • Bottled and canned beverages: it's a staple on the grocery list, but what's wrong with H2O?
  • Cable TV: The obvious Not-Real-Need


Any others?