BY KAI LIVINGSTON
Epicurus methodically categorized desires into three types: natural and necessary (basic survival needs), natural but not necessary (non-essential desires), and neither natural nor necessary (societal pressures), helping us reevaluate what we truly need.
In the digital era, screens often trigger desires for viral trends and aspirational lifestyles, but committing to regular digital detox helps us distinguish genuine needs from artificially-induced wants, enabling a more enriching life.
In a world filled with material and intangible desires, we often blur the lines between wants and needs, but by embarking on a deliberate decluttering journey in both physical and digital aspects of life, we can differentiate between passing wants and genuine needs and be more intentional in our choices.
Epicureanism involves ongoing self-awareness, which is crucial in a noisy world filled with distractions and external pressures; regularly taking quiet moments to reflect on your values and desires helps you stay aligned with your true purpose.
Prevent impulsive buying and assess genuine needs by implementing the 30-Day Rule, which involves waiting before making non-essential purchases to ensure they align with your values and reduce regrettable spending.
Amid the era of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) means valuing your time and energy, declining unaligned invitations, and focusing on deeper, more meaningful experiences, aligning with Epicurean thought.