Gandi Teachings Reflection

It is natural for people to want things, but if we let our wants get out of hand, things can result in conflict. If we were to eliminate want, we would eliminate suffering in the following ways. Everyone would become equal and there would be no more fighting.

If everyone did not want things and had what they needed to survive, then everyone would live equally. However, if one family lived in poverty, but had no wants, then they would accept the situation they were in and there would be no suffering. Also, if two families met each other, one rich, and one poor, the poor family would never be envious of what the rich family had and they could live together as friends peacefully. By never being jealous of others, we can eliminate fighting.

Many wars are started over jealousy. Jealousy of land, power, or wanting to change the ways of others. With war comes death, death that can be prevented if people had no wants. There would be no more competition among countries or people, and everyone will be satisfied with what they have. There will be no more stepping over weaker people to get to where you want to be and no more people will be hurt.

The more we want, the more we take away from those not as fortunate as us. If we could all accept what life hands us then we would be better off. However, while it is impossible to eliminate want in the world, the next best thing we could do is to help people less fortunate than us.