Hello Class,
Please read the op-ed written by NY Times columnist Nick Kristoff. As you read it, consider what you could live without. Would you be able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens make? Think of something that you did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today you feel you absolutely cannot live with out. Could you make the sacrifice? Why or why not?
Remember the post is Due by Wednesday. Responses to your peers by Sunday. Don't forget to respond to one of your peers.
Ms. Wanzo
Image borrowed from: http://mayopie.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/sacrifice.jpg
71 comments:
After readinf Nick Kristoff’s article, I can consider living without Cable/ satellite services, smartphones, anything above and beyond the regular possession, if I were to own a nice big house for a family of five, I could sell it and move into a house that is comfort enough for the rest of us. As time pass by we tend to upgrade our resources, but even downgrade can be consider as upgrade, like the Salwens downgrade their house in result upgraded their family connection. Like Kevin Salwen stated “We essentially traded stuff for togetherness and connectedness, I can’t figure out why everybody wouldn’t want that deal” . The last four to five year I was able to live without an iPod, my own computer, an Playstation 3, and of course a car. Now thinking about giving up these things I have now, I do not know how I am going live throughout the days. I probably cannot make those sacrifices due to my adapted habit of having them and using them frequently. Maybe a few years later, when I finally reach my goals and become very successful, I can put my time and effort to give those who are in need of help. Not only will it help the people, it will also help me, like how the Salwens help the people in Ghana, also help and benefit themselves in becoming a closer family who feels no regrets that they were to give up something and trade it to help a cause.
After reading Kristoff's article, I felt I had a better life than many people had and maybe I should do something to help them. Since I born till now, I am live in morden city. I had pretty house to live, I had many "tech toys" (camera, cell phone, computer, MP3, etc), clothes and some luxuries. I had never thought about that what is my life look like if I live without those things. After read this article, I thought if as rich as Salwens I would also make the kind of sacrifice, I would like to downgrade my house, to sponsor something for the poor people. Because many people are waiting for our help.
The things that I didn't have 5 years ago is iPod, car, cell phone and PSP. I can not live without those things now, and I think many people does, too. The society is in progress, and everybody is following it.It is not only we can not change our habit, but also the society make us cannot live without those thing. Such as computer, we all should turn in the essay in type now, that makes us have to live with computers.
For making the sacrifice, I don't think I have ability to do that now. I am not very reach, I just live in a family wich have enough money for eating, living, dressing and my education. I do not have extra asset to help them, but if I become rich in one day, I will make the sacrifice and help the poors.
As I read the article “ What Could You Live Without? ” by Nick Kristoff. I consider that I could live without cable, car and brand name clothes. If I have a big and nice house for all members of the family in the future, I will sell it and move into the small house like Mr. Salwen did because people could not have a good connectedness and togetherness when they are living in the big house rather than the small house. People can feel cosy and happy when they are living in the small house. I will use the money remain donate to the charity, which is helping the poor people or many orphans. As a person, we need to be generousness and kindness to help others when they have a bad situation. That is like “The Salwens’ experience confirms the selfish pleasures of selflessness.” That is also like “the Salwens say, the aim was to encourage people to step off the treadmill of accumulation, to define themselves by what they give as well as by what they possess.” The things that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today I feel I absolutely I cannot live without are Samsung Galaxy S phone, ipod touch, and Macbook Pro because I can use them for my relaxation, entertainment and study. Without it, I don’t know how is my life going on? I could make the sacrifice by saving the money to buy for the new generation or new upgrade of those products, and I use the saving money donate to the charity for the orphan to help them have a better life because we need to be selflessness to help others.
Wow, that article was not what I was expecting to read... Where I currently stand right now, no, I would not be able to make the kind of sacrifice made by the Salwens. I am at a point where I am living just comfortably enough to take care of myself and the thought of giving up half of what I own doesn't quite sound right. I could on the other hand donate a portion of my earnings, perhaps once a week, to some sort of charity. If I were to make some sort of sacrifice, I would aim to live without my computer or tv. While they do a very nice job of keeping us in touch and up to date with the happenings of the world, they also do a very good job of removing us from reality and those around us. Quality time with those we care about is forfeited in favor of staring at a bright rectangular screen. It really comes down to what is most important to the individual and for me, life could easily go on without my computer or tv.
Ken- Something you brought up about the article that I may have overlooked was the "treadmill of accumulation". I am wondering, at what point should people stop accumulating and start giving?
In the article, Kevin Salwen, the main character, was driving along the road. They stopped their car at the traffic light and waited for the green light. While they were waiting, they turned their head around and saw what was happening. At that time, a nice car is located on one side while a homeless person was asking for food on the other side. Suddenly, Salwen’s daughter Hannah, who was young, asked Dad if that nice car driver could have a cheaper car, and then, the money could help the homeless person out. Later, they also discussed the idea from Hannah about selling and changing a cheaper and smaller house. When Hannah was studying at high school, she explained that that idea was ridiculous since their house was essential, but she thought that the house they lived was too big for them.
As I read the article, I don’t really have something that I feel like I could not live without right now, but if I had to pick, I would probably pick my PSP and NDSi because both of them are not quite important for me. PSP and NDSi are gaming devices only. If I do not have these devices, I can still play games by computer or doing other activities such as sport instead. That also makes me relaxed and happy in my free time.
For me, I would not be able to make that kind of sacrifice that Salwens make because I could not have that large amount of money to give out, and I still need money to pay for expensive tuition fee and other expenses. If I have my own job, I would probably be happy to help others by donating money. However, I could sacrifice my leisure time to help others out. For example, now, I am teaching Chinese to high school and middle school students in church once a month and I am happy to do so because I can teach people to learn more about Chinese.
In my mind, personal computer is something that I did not have 5 years ago, but I cannot live without it. Since I could do my homework at school, I did not really need one. When I decided to get in my major as Computer Science, I always need computer to do my program. Therefore, I absolutely now cannot live without my laptop.
Thanks,
Ms. Wanzo
As I read “What Could You Live Without” By Nick Kristoff, the sacrifice that the Salwen’s made was inspirational. I don’t know of too many people who would sell their house and give half to charity. I am inspired and yet taken aback because there are so many problems in the world, where do you start? I believe I could live without my car. The price of gas is very high and we live in the Bay Area where communal transit is readily available. I can catch the bus one block from my house and go to Oakland or San Francisco directly. BART and bus connect so that you may go anywhere in the Bay that you wish. My dependence on oil would go down and my greenhouse emissions would be much smaller considering I would be on the bus. It would be hard to give up the convenience and especially when going to the grocery store, but I believe I could do it with a little effort. Who knows, I might lose a pound or two as well from all of the walking.
Hi, Cameron!I agree you that you can not sacrifice as Mr. Salwens, because I am with the same answer too. In now situation, we do not have ability to do those thing. But I would like to donate something to help the people.And you said you can live without computer? But I think we can not live without computer in this society.
I am not able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens make. For me, I could not make the sacrifice as Salwens. The only one sacrifice I have done so far is donating blood. I tried to donate money in a very small amount each month to UNICEF. I didn’t keep the donation. The reason is that I have limited ability to take care of myself. I think if I can’t take care of myself first, I am not able to take care of others. How could I make the sacrifice, then? I don’t want to be the one to wait for others’ sacrifice as well.
Today I feel absolutely cannot live without computer and cell phone. These two things are not available or common in use during last decade. Nevertheless, today’s society is totally different than before. I need to survive in the society, so I have to equip myself in the battlefield. If I can be a millionaire, I think I could sacrifice as Salwens does.
Salwens really made a big sacrifice. Home is always the most precious thing that people treasured. Giving up a big house in order to donate the money to charities is not an easy choice. There is an old Chinese saying which means losing something will no always be a bad. Somehow, what you gain from losing can even more than before. This is so true to be applied in Salwen’s case. They sold the big house and live in a smaller house. People normally think that it is not a good thing but their relationship within the family gets better. They are closer to each other.
Ipod comes up to my mind when it is about something that I didn’t have 4 to 5 years ago. I used to use MP3 player when I want to listen to music. However, the memory of a MP3 player at that time is limited. Mine can only carry 40 songs at maximum. Therefore, it could fit my need. Later on, my parents bought me an Ipod and I started to rely on it very much. Whenever I am taking public transport, doing homework or even about to sleep, I will listen to Ipod.
If selling my Ipod could help the needy, I would be willing to do so. Ipod is not a big deal to me. I mean, without using Ipod, I won’t die. My life would just be boring. If what I get from sacrifice is better than what I have, I will be more than willing to do that. For example, saving people’s life by selling my personal belongings is really okay to me. Compared to the sacrifice that Salwens made, my case is a piece of cake only.
Hey Simin,
I totally agree with you. I too cannot be able to make the sacrifice. If I were maybe an entrepreneur like Kevin Salwen, or at least a successful business man, I probably could make the sacrifice like the Salwens did. I am too so adapted to my computer, cell phone, and my iPod, can't imagine how I am going to adapt to society if the very things that is needed today were given up.
It is true that we rely too much on technology. Computers are almost a necessity to the new generation. If everyone in the world could not use computer for one day or even an hour, imagine what will happen in the world. We will probably feel bored and uncomfortable. Just like Kailing, I think I could not make big sacrifice now. It is because what I can do now is not very significant. However, I would do whatever I am able to do to help more people.
I do not think that I could do a sacrifice such Salwens made. I am not a rich person and as Salwens said they made this sacrifice because the house was something they could live without. Also, he points out that everyone does their own half, and I believe that it is true. Maybe I have something that it is too much for me and I could donate or share it with other people. One thing I did not have four or five years ago was my computer. I am not a materialistic person, but my computer is something I could not live without. I use it to communicate to my mother and friends who are in my country. Also, I use it to do my homework.
I agree with you. I am not able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens make. Maybe if I were a rich person I would make it. Also, I can not live without my computer either because nowadays more than a luxury a computer is a need.
Although what Salwen family did to me looks so fascinating and admiring, I do not think I could ever do what they did unless I was sure that I had what I wanted to entirely and excessively. I mean I think I had to be so rich and own a huge house and a massive amount of money in my bank account in order to sell my house and give up half of its value to a charity, especially if I had children.
Perhaps this is because I was raised in Iran and there we do not experience as much as here an affluent type of accumulation. People mostly work hard and get paid much less than what they deserve. The country has been many times under back breaking international sanctions and it has been through 8 years of war; so people there have been raised in a way that from very early age they consider saving and not wasting. However, there are many charities there that people help them so often. My family for example used to take care of a whole other family for their monthly expenses, but that is far from selling the only house we had and were living in it, even if that house was bigger than what we really needed.
I think one of the things that I own right now and I did not own six years ago is my cell phone! I used to be fine living without a cell phone and rarely feel that owning a cell phone is necessary. But now, I am almost addicted to it. I text frequently, I check my email through it so often, read the news, take pictures…. If I forget my phone at home I will literally go back and take it where ever I am. But when I think, I feel like perhaps I could give it up if I had to, because I remember days not so far, that I used to leave without a cell phone and my life has never been less interesting than what it is today!
To Maria Medina:
Maria, I totally agree with you! What you said is exactly what I felt when I read this article, I could never make such sacrifice! And about your computer, again I agree with you entirely. I think it is true that some stuff like computers did not exist as widely as today in the past, but today that they are here, they really help us through saving time, through understanding the world, and many other things to a point that I think I would have a very hard time living without them! I would not die without it but I for sure could not stay connected to the rest of the world as much as I am today and of course my life would have become much less interesting.
To regards of New York columnist Nick Kristoff article. At this point in time financially, I would not be able to make similar sacrifices as the Salwens. However, lowering the bar just a bit would enable me to participate in this exercise. For example, the thought of donating a vehicle has crossed my mind and even contributing a small fraction of my salary to only a non - profit Organization here in the Bay Area. Indeed, donations are needed throughout the world, but if a remedy cannot be reached locally, how will it be solved globally!
Something that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago, and today I cannot do without, TIME! Sure, I could make the sacrifice, but I won’t! If I could turn back the clock, I would have done things differently with regards to time. For example, reconnecting with my love ones, and enjoying each day to the fullest. Instead of spending most of the time for sole purpose of generating revenue to obtain material items; In addition, there are three strong statements that support my position made by Mr. Kristof. First, off the treadmill of accumulation and second the Neurological evidence of brain scans that altruism lights up part of the brain, and is associated with more primal gratifications such as food, and sex, which ultimately relates to selfish pleasures of selflessness that most of us have; third, together and connectedness. We are consumers, and the consumer wants the big house, expensive car, best clothes, and the latest tech devise. Unfortunately, a heavy price is being paid and if we only take a step back and consider, “honey do we really need these items?” perhaps, things would be much different today; heck it took the Salwens 14 year old daughter to open their eye’s!
Mike Huynh:
Very well stated! living without a computer would be very difficult. Since our daily lives revolve around a computer what would we do?
Perhaps,if we gave up the use of our computers in the name of sacrifice; do you think Ms. Wanzo would understand why the blogs, and essays were not getting done?
Thank you for your blog!
Francisco Santos
The Salwens downgraded their house and donated the difference to a charity by the charismatic idea of their daughter. I do not think that I would be able to make the kind of sacrifice that the Salwens made. I felt what they did was over the top, although inspiring at the same time. I believe at this time in the economy I have to be financially secured before I can give to others in need. The Salwens were in that situation where they were financially fit to give.
The only thing that I am willing to donate at this point is my car and my time for volunteer. I believe that I can donate my car because I have an alternative way of commuting through public transportation. Also volunteering is another thing I can give because I believe that my time can always be used to help others in need.
Something that I do not have 4 or 5 years ago that I feel I absolutely cannot live without is my laptop and my smartphone. I don’t think that I can sacrifice these items because I feel that they are the most valuable things that I have monetarily and personally.
Thanks
I am pretty sure if we were to give up something like our computers for example, our way of studying might be a lot more common/obvious yet time consuming since we will be writing more than typing and we need to get the learning material from the resources directly and not indirectly. It will be difficult, for us students, teachers, the adaptive people.
After reading Nick Kristoff’s article, I think I would not be able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens make because most of the people are selfish and greedy. In this society, everyone is using the new technologies such as iPhone, personal computer, camera, etc, and these new technologies already become an essential of their life. Therefore, people will not give up any things they own now or make any sacrifices just like Salwens. Moreover, I will sacrifice things that Salwens make only if I am a rich person who own an enterprise and have everything that I want. Something that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today I feel I absolutely cannot live without is my car. It is extremely important for me to drive to school and be on time since the traffic is always bad and the public transportation takes more time than I drive. Also I cannot find any grocery store that is next to my house, it will be convenient for me to buy the things that I need if I have a car. I couldn’t make the sacrifice of my car because it is a tool that helps me to save my time.
Interesting article. I never really thought anyone would be generous enough to make such sacrifice to help the unfortunate. It really depends on the person position to make such decision. Reason why I'm saying that is because it would be perfectly okay to donate half my fortune to the people that needed aids but if I were a parent of two kids, I would hesitate.
If I were to make sacrifice, it would be okay to take away my car. Car can be really convenient but I don't find it necessary where it's one of the thing that I must have in order to operate well with my schedule. Transportation is so convenient nowadays where you can take Bart, bus or train to your destination. While I understand car can really save you a lot of time, with time management and preparation, public transportation work just as well. All objects and materials can be sacrifice, but it's just up to the individual to determine if it's worth doing it.
Hey Ka Ki Yu, I agreed with your comment about it's really hard to make such sacrifice because how it's almost necessary to use advance technology to get what's done. It's true that such technology wasn't invented back 10 years ago (iphone, fast computer, etc) but as technology advance, so does demand. Time is money and people wouldn't care about excuses but result.
Hey Ka Ki Yu, I agreed with your comment about it's really hard to make such sacrifice because how it's almost necessary to use advance technology to get what's done. It's true that such technology wasn't invented back 10 years ago (iphone, fast computer, etc) but as technology advance, so does demand. Time is money and people wouldn't care about excuses but result.
In today’s society, most of people are thinking about how to make more money; they don’t care about other people. There are so many people who are in need that we don’t give our hand to help them. After reading Nick Kristoff’s article, it reminds me that I should help other people who are in need. Believe it or not, ten dollar can change someone’s life. What Salwen’s family did was very inspiring. However, I don’t think I can make this kind of sacrifice that Salwen’s family did. Now, I don’t have a big house, but I will have one in the future. Even though I own a big house in future, I believe that I still cannot make this kind of sacrifice. I admit that I am selfish. But, I can offer a hand to someone who in needed such as writing a pay check every month to the charity. It is hard for people to donate half of their wealth to someone else, especially in today’s economic.
The thing that I didn’t have 4 or 5 years ago was my car. Today, I feel it is impossible for me to live without it because there are so many things that I need the car for such as go to the grocery store, driving to school, and go somewhere else. Therefore, I live far away from Laney College, if I don’t have my car; I need to take public transportation and it takes more than an hour for me to arrive at Laney College. That’s waste of my time. Also, the buses are never arrive on time and always crowd. The car saves me a lot of time so, it is very hard to give it up. For me, I prefer to donate some of my saving to help other people instead of donate my car. I think car is important in the United Stated because it is convenient. Without it, I cannot go anywhere.
To be honest I do not know what I can live without. I guess I have lived for so long with things like iPods, computers, phones etc. for so long it is like I cannot function without them. I think we take advantage of the new technology it is like our life depends on it. I am not so sure that I can make the same sacrifice of downgrading my home. For the Salwens they had for what I understand a spacious home probably too big much space for their family of four. Not everyone can make the same sacrifice as they did. Many may already have too small of a home or some of us may have a home that is already modest. Four or five years ago I could live without my iPod now I can’t. I would love to help others and donate money to charities but with money tight and being a student it is not the easiest thing. When I do get older however I would love to help others.
As I read Kristoff’s article, I have considered that I can live without Car and luxury. Car is quite useful, but it is not easily affordable because the price of gas is constantly rising. I try to live without a car and try to use the public transport. Then, I find that the public transport is much better that I have ever though. Also, it helps me to save some money.
Unquestionably, Salwen has done a great sacrifice. For me, House is deemed the most valuable and important property. Selling his house for donating the money to charities is not an easy decision for us to make. In this world, a lot of people work hard for their whole life in order to buy a house. For my situation, I am not able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens made, but I can donate part of my earnings to help others. Salwen is an entrepreneur. His house just is a small part of his property, so he has the ability to sell his house and donate half of the money to help others. Also, his house is too big for his family.
I think IPhone is really important and useful for me because iPhone has a lot of features and helpful tools in it. That is really suitable for me. For example, we can install the dictionary into the IPhone, so we do not need to carry the heavy book dictionary to school. Also, we can download the GPS system into our IPhone, so we do not need to waste money to buy a GPS. And the IPhone is really easy to use. Therefore, I really love it. It is not easy for me to sell me IPhone for helping others. I might choose the other things such as the camera or PSP to sell for helping others. IPhone is really important to me and helps me a lot. I cannot live without me IPhone.
Hello, Simin, I totally agree with you that we cannot live without computer and cell phone. These two things are really important for us. We can watch the news through the computer. To know what’s going on in this world. Also, we can use the cell phone to talk to our friends, who live far away. Yes, I also agree with you that if I can be a millionaire, i think I can do the sacrifice like Salwen’s did. Donating money to help others people is a really meaningful.
I read Nick Kristoff article about what you could live without and I found it very interesting. I defiantly know I would not be able to do what they did with regards to selling my house or selling any of my possessions. I know I’m not cable of making the same sacrifice as the Salwens. I couldn’t make a sacrifice like give up my car or give up any of my material items. I enjoy all the luxuries I have been blessed with and have no desire to give them up. I wouldn’t mind donating money or helping out those less fortunate but I wouldn’t want to make a huge change in my lifestyle like the Salwens have. The one thing that I couldn’t live without that I have now is my iphone. I couldn’t live without it because it keeps me connected to my friends and family and helps me with my every day task. I honestly do know what I did before I had it.
Hi Yat Fai Tam, I am so surprise that we have the same thing (cannot live without the car). Also, I agree with you that car is the most important transportation tool in the United Stated. Without it, you cannot go anywhere you want to. It is true that we cannot find a big grocery store or other supermarket near to our house. If we don’t have the car, probably it takes us more than an hour to buy the things by using public transportation. Do you have any experience of taking public transportation? Moreover, I agree with you that if I am a rich person who owns an enterprise, I will make the same sacrifice that Salwen’s family did. But do you think Salwen’s family did the right thing to give money to the poor people? or they should use the money to create special program to help poor people to learn some skills that it is useful for them to find a job in the society?
In this article, Nick Kristoff describes that Hannah discusses an inequity question with her father, Kevin Salwen. Eventually, Salwen’s family sells the big house and donates money to charity. What a great sacrifice! I don’t think most people would do it in this way. It is hard for people to sell a house and donate half of their wealth. However, I believe that some people would donate part of their money or things to charity. I still remember that after a big earthquake strike Haiti, people all over the world donate money and materials to help this country out.
For me, I would not be able to make this kind of sacrifice that salwens make, but I would donate some money when people are in need. In additional, I think that money is not the only thing we can donate. Besides money, we can use other ways to help people. I registered to be a volunteer in a nonprofit organization to help people fill out Income Tax Form. Many new immigrants or low-income people don’t know how to fill out the form, and they could not afford to hire accountants, so I can help them when they need.
In modern society, more and more luxuries appear in our lives. I did not have cell phone and computer 4 or 5 years ago. I feel that I absolutely cannot live without them today, and I could not make the sacrifice. Cell phone and computer are important to me. I use cell phone to send message and contact with my friends or my relatives who live far away from me. Without cell phone, I am afraid I will lose contact with them. Computer is one of good tools for my studies. I can read newspaper and get information through internet to enlarge my knowledge.
After reading Nick Kristoff’s article, I think I would be able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens make if I have the ability to do it. For me, the money that my parents earned from work is just enough to support my family. I am not rich and I don’t have the big house that Mr. Salwens has. I am only a college student who depending on my parents. Now I don’t have the ability to help anybody, but I would try to help the poverty if I have a job and have enough money to support my family. Anyway, I agree with what Salwens does. He sells his big house and moves to a small house for helping the poverty. This is a very nice choice. Something that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today I feel I absolutely cannot live without is my computer. I use my computer to do homework and communicate with others every day. Computer is also my entertaining tool by listening to music and watching movies. I search information online if I don’t understand something. Without computer, I cannot do homework, communicate with my friends and my life would be so bored. Computer is very important to me and it is a necessary part in my life.
Something I feel like I absolutely cannot live without is a cell phone because it is always there for me when I need it. My phone is there for me for different necessities from having to contact someone to checking the time. It is also there for me when I have to check my schedule or my email. It even navigates for me when I need directions to get from point A to point B. When I'm bored, it's there for me to play with whether I'm text messaging, listening to music, playing a game, or using the internet. Cell phones are so high tech now that I can even read a book on it if I wanted to. I don't think I can make this sacrifice unless if I cannot afford it at all.
The article “What Could You Live Without?” really makes me think and I consider that the things I could live without are iPod, iPad, iPhone, PSP, and cars. Since I am not like other people who rely on them and use them frequently, it is easy for me to give them up. Also without a car, I can take Bart and a bus to go to school or other places. I would be able to make the kind of sacrifice that Salwens make because it is not bad when we give up somethings for togetherness and connectedness as what Mr. Salwen stated “we essentially traded stuff for togetherness and connectedness.” No one can get things they want when they don’t give away something.
The thing that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago is my cell phone, but now I feel I absolutely cannot live without it because if i don’t have my cell phone, I cannot contact my family as soon as possible when I have an emergency or really need to talk to them with something important. Maybe I am not like Mr. Salwen that he gives up his house and works hard for helping poor people, however, I can sacrifice a part of my time to give a hand. “Everyone has too much of something, whether it’s time, talent or treasure. Everyone does have their own half, you just have to find it.” For me, time could be one thing that I could sacrifice. So far I don’t have a lot of money and a job so I am not able to sacrifice things such as a house, money, or a car. However, my free time is one thing that I can give up to help other people as volunteers. I think that’s what I can do now.
Hello, Saechaokaren
Like you, I cannot live without a cell phone which has many different functions or is for different necessities. For instance, we can check the time, do calculating, text messages, take pictures and play games. The most important function is that cell phones can help us to contact someone very quickly so if we need help, we just make a call and then there is one who can give you a hand.
Thank you.
There is such a virtue that Salwen made a great donation. Actually, donation can help many poor people and improve their lives. It should be advocated. But in Salwen’s case, for most of people, a house is a big gain from hard working, which may cost their most of life to work for, so to donate a house seem a ridiculous move to them. Anyway, donation is gracious, no matter how much you sacrifice.
Today, high technologies bring us many useful and convenient things like cell phone and computer, and I am really happy I own these things. Frankly, they play a big part of my life, and it seems that I even need to use them every day. For instance, I use cell phone to contact with my friends, and I need computer for study and homework. Even though they are very necessary in my life, I consider them as the things that I could live without. But I don’t think I am willing to sacrifice them, because I still need them, and even getting the replacements is not easy for me.
I didn’t have a car 4 years ago, and I can’t live without it. It’s very important to me, because I need it for school and jobs, and I just can’t imagine if without a car, how bad would my life become? For example, I don’t think I can walk ten miles to Walmart, and I have no idea how to take a bus to get there. Therefore, a car means a lot to me, and I will not make the sacrifice.
After all, one who is going to make a donation cannot sacrifice more than he has. In addition, if he sacrifices too much, this will really hurt his present situation and throw him into struggling one. Salwen sold the luxurious house and donate half earned money. But as a writer and entrepreneur, he must be a rich person, so what he did would not really overturn his life. Likewise, to donate 10 dollars will not cost too much if you have 10,000 dollars. Thus, if a donation which may not really hurt you, it’s gracious to make one.
Hi Tony,
I agree with your comment that it really depends on a person position to make such kind of sacrifice. Every people has different situation. It is not easy for them to donate lots of money. We can use many ways to help people in need. Meanwhile, I agree that we can live without car. Though car is useful in our lives, it is not necessary. Moreover, the pollution from cars will affect our environment. We can use other transports to replace cars.
After reading Kristoff's article, I think nowadays, a lot of technologies keep coming out and people is addicted to them such as iPod, Ipad, Smartphone, play station, wii, computer, laptop, television and so on. Also, we have to mention about clothes, shoes and jewelries. Most of people think about how to make more and more money so they can get whatever they want. They forget about helping people around them who have unlucky life. For me, 4 or 5 years ago, I can live with out ipod, smartphone and car but now I feel so uncomfortable when I don’t have them. I have never thought about living with out them. I think It will be so bored if I don’t have that kind of stuff. However, I still remember to help the other people. I’m do community service and saving to donate for the church. I like to help people. I will try to do my best as I can.
As I am reading this article, What Could You Live Without, I consider car, television are the things that I could live without. In the article, Salwens gave up to living in a big, beautiful house and live in a small house, and I think I am able to make this kind of sacrifice, if my family also feel happy to do that. For me, I am willing to that kind of sacrifice when I have that ability. I know that I am living better than many people, and there are many people live with poverty. If I have ability, I am willing to help them. In that way, I think I will be happy too.
The thing that I did not have four or five years ago that today I absolutely cannot live without is my ipod. I check my email though my ipod. I listen to the music in my ipod every day when I am taking bart to school. I also cannot live without my computer. I use it for my homework, to watch drama, and communicate to my friends. I don’t know how I could live without these two things. And, I think not so many people can live without their computer. How could we live without it in this society?
I think most people are “selfish”, but it’s fine, because it’s natural that people tend to protect themselves. On the other hand, I believe if ones of them who get extra power, they are willing to help and protect the others. I tend to consider this is the reason that Salwen made the sacrifice. Certainly, it also comes from his inner virtue.
I absolutely have a same thinking that I can’t live without a car. I need it to do a lot of things and go to places. It was my leg in the U.S.
Hmmm. My comment doesn't appear to have published. I am now attempting again. I hope this does not to turn out to be redundant. I could live without my wardrobe. I could live without my laptop...although school expects me to have one. I decided a couple of years ago I could live without my car. Its been just me and my bike ever since. I just got me. My time, and my experience. So I could lend a hand.
I agree with you, i can't do it either. I can't make a sacrifice like the character. I will help but not like that because you can do it a few times but you can't help or feed them all their life. What i want to do if I'm rich I will open a factory and then hire them. So they can earn money, have a better life and I can make more money. I think that a best way.
Sorry, my bad... to Hanan... not Hana...
I believe I could live without my itouch. I had my itouch for such a long time and it may be hard, but I believe I can. A few years ago I actually lost my ipod and had to go about three months without one. At first it was pretty hard because I love music. I felt like I couldn't really do anything without it. Slowly I learn to occupy myself and said to myself that there are others who do not have a music player and they still go on with life, so why can't i. When I bought my itouch I used it for about a month, then decided to stop. I wanted to see if it is possible to live without one. There was also the ringing in my ear that got so bad because of the music from the ipod playing so close to my eardrums. I gave my ipod to my brother and went off of it for a few more months.
I could not do what the Salwens did. I wish I could, I really do. I can't make the sacrifice like them because I am not super rich, but maybe one day if I am; I think it is a great idea.
Hello Cameron,
The article does take you back a little bit doesn't it? The type of sacrafice that the Salwens make to help others is powerful in deed. But Kristoff acknowledges that many will not be able to make that type of sacrafice, but that you sacarfice something is what's important. How does sacarficing for the good of others help you as an individual?
Prof. Wanzo
Hi Michael Huyn,
I enjoyed reading your post. It sounds like you got a lot out of the article. In the process, we learned a little bit more about you. Like the fact that you have learned to live without "a computer, an iPod, or a car. What was your initial reacation when you lost these items (or gave them up)? How has your life changed since then?
Hello Ken,
Your response is great. In it you state,"The things that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today I feel I absolutely I cannot live without are Samsung Galaxy S phone, ipod touch, and Macbook Pro because I can use them for my relaxation, entertainment and study." Why do you feel that you cannot live without them? I understand the "study," but relaxation and entertainment, aren't there other ways possible to do this?
Hi Cameron!
Thanks for your question. I think people should stop accumulating and start giving when they feel satisfied with their life like people all have the substances that they want to have. Then they can have a full potential to help others with their extra substances. Does my answer satisfy with your question?
Hi Ms.Wanzo!
Thanks for your question. I can not live without Samsung Galaxy S phone, ipod touch, and Macbook Pro because they help me a lot with my study like Macbook Pro I can do my homework, writing essay, searching the problem relate to my homework on it. With ipod touch I can download some books into it which is helping me get to know more vocabulary, and I can read those books whenever I want to read. With Samsung Galaxy S phone, I can check my email for my course from the professor. I can take a picture of some notes when I feel lazy to write it down. I can also download some books to read which is more convenient than carry the heavy books to read.
Other possible way for relaxation and entertainment are we can hang out with friends or we can go to the beach for relaxation and go shopping or bar for entertainment.
Hi Jingrong Ma !
I like your statement "donation is gracious, no matter how much you sacrifice." I think when you make a donation you are already a gracious and kind person. I don't agree with you that we could live without the cell phone and computer. I want to ask you without the computer how can you search some specific problem that relate to your study? And how can you contact your friends without phone or cell phone?
Hi Ken,
I really enjoy reading your respond. As you said that you cannot live without your Samsung Galaxy S phone, ipod touch, and Macbook Pro, I deeply think of myself, and I found out that the cell phone is also a something i cannot live without. However, for ipod touch, I don't think it benefits me. If I use ipod to listen to the music, I will not concentrate to do my school work. The melody of the song will always stay in my head. Therefore, I insist to not listen to music by any electronic devices such as ipod and MP3 unless I really have a long holiday.
What do you think? Ken.
Thanks
Hi Kimvy,
I really agree with your idea that lots of electronic devices such as iPod, iPad, or Playstation are the things that we cannot live without. You also bring our a point that I have never thought about, clothes, shoes and jewelries. Those things are also important to someone if he or she has money.
Besides this, you said that car is one of your things that you cannot live without. Let me share a bit to you. For me, if I were still in Hong Kong, car is definitely optional because it is very convenient for me to get into bus, taxi, or train. I do not even worry about any delays like SF muni. However, after come to the U.S. car is very essential to me. I think it all depends on where you live.
Thanks.
Hi Jenn R,
I like your statement that you believe you can live without car and benefit the environment and keep weight. I am a bus-taker. I think I can live without car now because the Bay Area's public transportation is perfect, but I believe that my thought might not be the same after once I got the car. Sometimes, people can't give up the materials just because they can't give up the convenience.
If someone ask you to donate your car in order to help someone in poverty or hunger, would you do so and change to be bus-taking?
Hi Andrew!
I am different from you. I can listen to the music and do the home work at the same time because I love music and the music make me feel relaxed while I am doing the homework.
There's many material things that 4-5 years ago, I simply didn't have because it something that I wanted. My parents didn’t necessary agree on purchasing it. They felt that since they didn’t have many of the technology that is offer now, why we should have it. And if we did have material items I was expected to purchased it on my own. I didn’t have a cell phone, IPod, camera, and even so of the brand clothes or shoes that I wear. Although I had a laptop, I had to purchase it on my own. It would be difficult to leave without my laptop it contains everything that I possible need. There was a point in my life that I felt that my life would be over if I didn’t have my laptop it was part of my daily routine. But of course, I would sacrifice all the material items that I have. I have learned to live without them. It wasn’t easy and of course I definitely didn’t like it. But there’s other necessities that we need that are priceless and are in front of us and we simple don’t appreciate it.
Dear Diane Troung,
Although, I didn't loss my laptop my parents took away from me when we took a trip to mexico. It was painful and horrible I hated it. I wanted to come home and didn't understand there point, but I realize that I was fortunate enough to have so many material items that many of my relatives will never have. And they focus on having quality time rather then all this objectives that can dissapear you life the same way they enter.
Jessica
After reading, "What you could live without?" by Nick Kristoff. Found that article to be truly inspirational, for someone to give up their luxurious big home that they worked so hard for to only a smaller one because they knew they could live without it and their money can go to better use.
Would I be able to make the same sacrifice that Salwens make? To give up a big home for a litterer one? I think I can. Only because big, wide home scares me because there is too much empty space and plus that just means more house cleaning.
Things that I did not have 4-5 years ago that I think I cannot live without now? I would say my blackberry bold. I absolutely love my phone, it's like a mini computer. It has Facebook application, which keeps me updated with my family and friends. It has a GPS (Global Positioning System) that takes me everywhere! I am consistently driving all over the place. There has been times where I gotten lost and my phone helped me find my way back home.
It has a great camera and video camera, I'm a picture person.
Could I make a sacrifice to give up my phone? honestly, no because it's something that is glue to me. It's rare for me to every forget my phone at home. It's something that keeps me connected to my boyfriend because he lives in Sacramento and we are always texting each other.
Dany Kheav to Maria Medina
"Also, he points out that everyone does their own half, and I believe that it is true."
I totally agree with you in that sentence because when he said, "For us, the house was just something we could live without. It was too big for us. Everyone has too much of something, whether it's time, talent or treasure. Everyone does have their own half, you just have to find it."
I felt like why can't the rest of the world think like that?
Hi Ms. Wanzo
Thank you for your comment, my initial reaction is no signs of emotions really; I will be really silent at the moment. For the past four to five years I never have these things yet I was able to adapt to the world without it. Now not so long ago, such items came into my world, thinking if I were ever able to give it up, it will be the same silent reaction. I always tend to gave up certain things then become a lost for words nearly regret giving it up. My life changes after I become use of having these valuable items and frequently using them. My life will change of not being able to adapt to the progressive world we live today. Back then I could live without it, but today I am not so sure; life will be harder for me.
I feel the same way about my phone. It is all in one and could be the only thing I need to complete a lot of tasks. I have the same opinion about my laptop. I can bring it anywhere and use it at any time. I also believe that we can give anything we can to help the needy, such as time, skill, or comfort.
Michael,
I agree with your post. Looking back four,five years ago I could have not lived with ipods etc. Now its like we cannot function without them. I am like that too, I cannot make the sacrifice of giving up my phone and my ipod. In your post I like ur sentence ".....but even downgrade can be consider as upgrade, like the Salwens downgrade their house in result upgraded their family connection." The Salwens seemed like they lost something by downgrading but instead gained something even more valuable.
Caresse
I agree with you that we need to help other people who need help or have a bad situation, and it is generousness to make this kind of sacrifice like Salwen did, but it really depends on the people’s situation to make the sacrifice. Also, I totally agree that phones and computers are the things that people cannot live without. It keeps the connection between people and it makes people’s live better.
Hi Simin,
I agree with what you said that we cannot live without computer and cell phone. In today’s world, people use cell phone to make connection to each other. Without cell phone, we lose the ability to connect someone we needed right away. Computers are important for everyone who lives in the society. People use it to check what’s going on in the world, search information, communicate with friends and even do assignments. Computers are necessary for everyone.
Hi Caresse,
I feel the same way when thinking about giving up my iPod and cell phone, I will feel like I cannot function well without them. I believe someday we might be able to make such a sacrifice that will help and benefit others and ourselves. As of today, we are in the need of such things to keep up with the progressive world. Thank you for liking my post.
Michael
Hi Caresse,
I feel the same way when thinking about giving up my iPod and cell phone, I will feel like I cannot function well without them. I believe someday we might be able to make such a sacrifice that will help and benefit others and ourselves. As of today, we are in the need of such things to keep up with the progressive world. Thank you for liking my post.
Michael
I got a question for you, Ken. Have you ever gotten any mistakes while you are listen to the music and doing your homework at the same time? For me, I will. I have never taken a MP3 or iPod with me even though that is common with you guys.
Thanks.
Hello Simin
I believe that I would give up my car and become a bus taker if it was necessary for me to, but for now, I'm committed to giving up my car 1/2 time because it cuts down on fuel and repair cost.
Hi Simin Lang,
I agree with your post about not being able to make a sacrifice like the Salwens. Unlike you I haven’t even donated blood because I’m scared of needles. I also don’t think if I was a millionaire I would want to sell my house to help others because my family and I come first. I do think I would donate and help others more than I do know
To Kimvy Nguyen,
After reading your post I realize that I have not thought about clothes and jewelery. It is true that some people love clothes and jewelery a lot to the point that they must have the 'new trend' to feel complete, but that is not always true. A good point to point out. I understand what you mean when you say that if you do not have your phone or ipod you would feel bored, but do not also forget that you can also be bored using your phone and ipod. The internet can also be boring too and then you would find other things to occupy your time. So in the end your boredom really depends on how you use your time. I love to help people too and I like that you like to too.
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