“Distinguish between real needs and artificial wants and control the latter.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Attributed to Gandhi's addresses to students (anthologized as 'To the Students'); no dated Young India/Harijan/CWMG primary confirmed.
About this quote
Some desires are genuine needs; many are manufactured by comparison and advertising. The skill is telling the two apart and then reining in the second group, since unchecked wants expand to fill any income and quietly start running your life.
When to use it
- Before buying, someone asks whether they need the item or just want the upgrade.
- A household cancels subscriptions it enjoys but never actually uses.
- A shopper waits a week on impulse purchases to see if the craving fades.