Wants vs. Needs

Wants vs. Needs

March 5th, 2017 by MacKenzie Kwak

In Los Olivos, California, lies Midland school - an academy whose founder aimed to do away with society's common need to "keep up with the Jones'," and instead created a self-sufficient institution. Aside from ordinary classes, a Midland student's schedule consists of collecting and chopping firewood (to heat the showers and cabins), growing food, and preparing meals.

The goal is to teach students about the difference between wants and needs. The school is located in the mountains, so there is little to no cell phone reception, and the students spend most of their free time without internet. Impractical or excessive purchases are discouraged by the faculty. What makes these sacrifices worthwhile for students is the likelihood of graduates from Midland to be preferred for Stanford or Harvard.

Which brings up the question - assuming you were financially able, would you attend a school like Midland? Would you give up many of your current wants in order to service your future needs? Would the sacrifice be worth it to you?

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