Necessities 

Is Survival Really Living?

“This idea of shared humanity and the connections that we make with one another - that's what, in fact, makes life worth living.”

- Clint Smith

    Thoreau and I agree on the true necessities. He and I believe that necessities are things like food, water and shelter. Thoreau also believes that comforts can be a distraction. He writes, “Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind.” What he is saying is that so-called comforts are not absolute necessities and that even though they may feel good the luxuries keep us from truly moving forward. When we are too comfortable we are not growing and changing. Putting ourselves in uncomfortable places is how we learn. If we don’t have exactly the food we want or the clothes we want, it gives us a chance to focus on the experience. We do need the necessities to survive but is survival living your life to the fullest? What makes me happy is being connected with my family and friends. The support and learning that happens in my community is what helps me grow. Having strong relationships in my life isn’t a true necessities but I could not imagine living without them. My family and friends support me when I am down, when I need help and in every moment in between.