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?
Don't forget to respond to one of your peers.
Image borrowed from: MayopieWordpress.com.
Ms. Wanzo
74 comments:
Reading the article, I thought that it was astounding that a 14-year old teenager would have given thought to getting a cheaper house so that they could use the money for charities. Honestly speaking, I don't think that I would be able to do something to the extent of getting a smaller house in order to help others, even though I acknoledge that it is the right thing to do. However, if I had a mansion, things could possibly otherwise be different, but seeing as I don't, the possibility seems unlikely.
I don't really have anything that I feel like I could not live without right now, but if I had to pick, I guess I would probably pick my car. I would not like having to make the sacrifice of selling my car, getting a cheaper one instead, and donating the money earned for a greater cause because my car has more worth that just what the price tag labels it to be; for me, my car has some sentimental value, and although I understand that I can just have some cheaper car that at least functions, I probably wouldn't like having to sell my car for a cheaper one. However, I do acknoledge that it is the right thing to do.
I think that its really hard for some people to make sacrifices for other people because we all have some level of greed and self interest in us even though we may deny it. I'll admit that there are times when I want things for myself even though I know that its greedy, but I understand when enough is enough. If I become a millionare, which I plan on doing, I can imagine myself making some sacrifices and donating to charities, but as of now, I am jobless and not a millionaire, so I won't feel like sacrificing to others as much because I don't have as much things as richer people. After all, when you're wealthy and you have a lot, you can give what seems like a lot to other people even though it wasvery little for you. The Salwens family was probably an upper class family that had a lot of money. If they were a regular working class like the most of us, I don't think that they wouldv'e made the step they made in selling their house, but I am at least glad that they are aware of what is happening and are trying to help the cause.
This was a truly inspiring article. When my parents came to the US, the dream of a nice American car, a big American house, and a stable American life was all they could dream about. Fast forward to around eighteen years later, and my dad is driving a 2005 Corolla, we live in a small but comfortable house, and we are too weird to lead a stable life. The Salwens showed that priorities change, and theirs changed to benefiting the less fortunate. I think that it would be difficult, but doable in my family's case.
When I drive to school every day, I see people walking along the streets of Oakland. I was one of those people two years ago. I bussed and barted everywhere. Now, whenever I think about all my responsibilities, even thinking of bussing makes my head hurt. I could sacrifice my car for a couple of months and I've done it before, but the idea of not having it at all is hard to imagine. Our society is just too fast pacing to sacrifice something that gets me to school, my job, my Sunday school kids, and my favorite cafe in Berkeley.
Hi Ricky,
First off where did you find the article? I could not find it.
And in regards to your car as the item that you chose. I would do the same. I could definitely do without my car as well. I realize that our planet is in a lot of trouble so I would choose something that is more efficient in gas and eco-friendly.
We all get caught up with wanting nice things, especially if we are constantly bombarded with commercials and subliminal messages that encourage us. I like nice things because I never had the opportunity to experience.
I cannot find the article can someone help me please.
in regards to the post:
4 or 5 years ago i don't think i had a cell phone that can do everything for me all at once. when the iPhone came out i ran with the hype and bought the phone asap, unlike my non colored flip phone years back this phone did everything i needed and more. Making a sacrifice of my phone would be impossible for me. I'm so accustomed to my phone its really my everything. I lost my phone before and that feeling is terrible.
the article is on the title ..
you could click the title to find the article..
Your comment that it would be much harder for an every-day person to do what the Salwens did is really valid.
From the looks of it, the Salwens gave $800,000 to charity. Not everyone has a house with that much retail value nor some savings to fall back on.
Your comment that not the every-day person can do what the Salwens did is very valid.
The article says that they gave around $800,000 to charity after selling their home. Hardly anyone has a house with that much retail value, nor savings to fall back on.
Small changes can do as much good as big changes.
The one thing I could live without is my car and choose something that has more gas efficiency and something that is conducive to the environment.
I would definitely be able to make those kinds of sacrifices, if I am well off as the Salwens portray to be. However, I am not in that situation, but those types of stories definitely makes me think about how I spend my finanaces, and it makes me think about contributing to society in some astounding way.
The one thing I could live without is my car and choose something that has more gas efficiency and something that is conducive to the environment.
I would definitely be able to make those kinds of sacrifices, if I am well off as the Salwens portray to be. However I am not in that situation, but those types of stories definitely makes me think about how I spend my finanaces, and it makes me think about contributing to society in some astounding way.
As I continue to grow up, I realized that I can definitely live without video games. As a kid, I loved to play the Playstations and other consoles, but now I've grown and moved on. I realized it was a distraction for the most part, even though I had fun. I could have been a more responsible student and person if I had played less because I could have done more productive things, such as finishing my homework and helping around the house.
As for what the Salvens did, I don't think that I could do anything similar to that degree. If I were to help out a little, then I can offer a hand, but I think most of us just don't have that kind of money to give up.
Something I did not have 4 or 5 years ago was my car. Today, I feel that it's impossible for me to live without it. There's just so many things I need the car for, such as driving to school, the grocery store, picking up my little sister and cousin, running errands and more. I realize that I could take the bus more often, but I've experienced negative things taking public transportation. I don't believe I could make the sacrifice because in order to take care of my responsibilities, I definitely need my car.
After reading this article, I want to say that 14-year-old daughter is courageous as well as her parents. If I were her, I don’t think I will make such sacrifice. I can understand their wishes to help disadvantaged groups but I think half of their power can barely change the issues that our society has now.
For me, if everything I have right now must be gone, I wish I could have my car with me. I cannot live without my car although it is a pretty old one, the same age as me.
I never drove before in China. I got my driver license here and then I figured out how important it was to have a car living in America because the structure of city is quite different from that in China. I cannot find big grocery store such as Walmart around 5 miles. I cannot find theatres within 5 miles as well. If I don’t have my car, I have to wait for public transportation and it takes me more than an hour. That’s waste of my time.
Moreover, if I don’t have a car, I probably cannot find a part-time job. For example, I used to work in Fremont, occasionally I had to work at 4 a.m.. Without having a car, I couldn’t be there on time.
Possibly, a lot of people may have the same opinion as me that car is important in America; otherwise, there won't be crowd of people taking driving test in DMV everyday.
I came in United states four years ago I had nothing, I was living with my sister but as for today I own my things including a 2008 Rav 4.My family joined me after two years and we rent a house.I don't think that for now I can make a sacrifice to sell my car and get a
cheaper one so that I can give half of the money to the charity; although in the year 2007, I donated my old Toyota because it was old and went for a newer one.May be something else like my cell phone, I can sacrifice because I don't use it always, I need a reable vehicle which make my commute easier.Sometimes I only have like 30minutes to get to work from school.
The move that Salwen's family took is very inspiring but I think those people were stable not like us we are trying to better our lifes.In normal experience, people tend to donate something inorder to go for a better one but not the other way round. when I get stable maybe I will think otherwise but for now I don't think there is anything much I can sacrifice.Only few people could take such step.
From the article, I see an inspiring story that a 14-year-old girl's thought is so deeply concerned with the society. Moreover, this article encourage people to help other needy and helpless people.
To me, I think one thing that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today I feel I absolutely cannot live without is a digital dictionary. Some people might think a digital dictionary is not that important, but I think it's very necessary for me and immigrant who came to the United States for a while. Exactly, I did not need to use digital dictionary 4 or 5 years ago because I was in China and my first language is Chinese. I had no problems on conversation in Chinese and very few vocabulary problems when I was in China. Moreover, unlike the digital dictionary is so popular in the United States, I rarely saw people use an digital dictionary to study Chinese in China. However, it's not exaggerated that I could not live without my digital dictionary in the U.S. Since my vocabularies in English are limited, I always use an digital dictionary to find out the meaning of words in English classes. If I don't have an digital dictionary with me, I would not know some difficult words so that I would lose the meaning of sentences that contain those words. Consequently, digital dictionary is my studying tool to learn vocabulary in English and I might lose my direction of studying English without it.
to yilin deng,
I think your explanation in why you could not live without your car is very detailed and reasonable. I love the way you said that many people think it's very important to have a car in America, "otherwise, there won't be crowd of people taking driving test in DMV everyday" because this sentence seems to be an evidence that is supporting your point.
I came in United States four years ago I didn't have anything just started from a scratch.I was staying with my sisters I used bus and bart to commute. My family joined me two years later and we rent a house.I had bought an old Toyota but I donated to the charity and bought a 2008 Rav 4.I don't think now I can sell my car inoder to give half of the money to the charity and get a cheaper one.In these days life, people donate things inoder to get better ones but not the other way round.
I didn't have a cell phone when I came but now I owe one, I can sacrifice to stay without a phone because I don't use it very often.
The move that Salwen's family took is very inspiring but very few people will be willing to do it.Maybe when I get stable I'll take such a move but not now I'm trying hard to own.
Sacrifice may be defined as a behavior of losing, thus individuals consciously avoid doing so. This perception is indeed selfish, but has been widely recognized in our current society. Salwens, according to the story, challenged such perception throughout their own sacrifice – selling and downsizing their house. They encouraged individuals to sacrifice not by actually losing something. They rather proposed to abandon things that are excessive or needless, such as the “oversize” house that they lived in. Nevertheless, I don’t think I am able to make such sacrifice.
Something that I cannot live without is my netbook, although it operates slowly due to the limited configuration. I did not have a netbook five years ago, because it was unnecessary in daily academic usage. In China, all kinds of homework should be done in hand-written format, so I did not realize any significance of a netbook but playing games. Nevertheless, under the American educational system, having a netbook or any portable computer devices becomes recommended, since many assignments are electronic – such as blogs, essays, laboratory reports, and presentations, among others. The high portability of my netbook enables me to work on my assignments anytime and anywhere. In other words, if I am supposed to live without my netbook, it becomes impossible for me to finish those electronic assignments with facilitation of time and location. For instance, since I am taking two English classes and one history class this semester, a netbook becomes especially significant for me to have and carry with, in order to do various writing and researching assignments. Based on such evidences, I consider my netbook as something that I cannot live without.
I truly admire the explanation about your subjective value of a car. The lack of a car was indeed a direct causation of time wasting. The instance that you mentioned – job delaying – precisely emphasizes its necessity. This instance efficiently supports your thought about why you cannot live without it, so does your persuasion about why individuals are recommended to drive cars in their daily lives.
The one thing that I did not have 4or 5 years ago that I feel I could not live without sometimes is my car because it is very important and useful to me. I need my car to travel back and forth across the bridge going to school and work. Although sometimes the bus isn't all that bad.
What the Salwen's family did was generous and kind hearted. If I were able to do the same as the Salwen's family I would be proud of helping out others and seeing that it is the right thing to do. However, everyone is not stable to make big donations,so we have to find other ways to help out. Any small thought counts. Today most people are greedy and only think about themselves.
I liked the way you supported your argument why you can not live without your netbook, but is there anything else you can sacrifice and do without inoder to make a sacrifice that salwen made? For me, I thought to sacrifice my cell phone instead of my car.
To Jane Mwangi,
I agree with you it is hard trying to help others when you are trying to get ahead and make it or don't have anything to offer. However, any kind gesture from anyone is a start and can help. Some people are blessed to help others that are less fortunate.
After reading this article, a 14-year-old daughter is so courageous to make her choice to the society. If I were her, I do not think I would make the choice as she did even thought she sacrifice her property to help the community she lived in.
Something that I cannot live without is my current friends because they are the best value for me even thought we do not know each other 4 or 5 years ago. Friends are necessary and play a very significant role in my life. They can give me happiness when something bad happens to me; they can go through my difficulties when I need their help; I feel absolutely that I cannot live without them. Because of without them, I would be very lonely, and my life would be very boring and my life would be fulfilled with blank color. Therefore, I would not make the choice to sacrifice them.
After reading the article, a Chinese saying, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” comes to my mind. Salwens Made such sacrifice by selling their “oversize” house because they know “Enough is as good as a feast.”, at the basis of without losing anything but receiving satisfaction from helping others. Otherwise, I don’t think who can be selfless enough to donate all of his or her belongs to make contribution to others.
Basically, the only thing I cannot give up at this moment probably is my laptop even I have owned mine since 4 years ago, when I immigrated from China and settled in Oakland. In this case, I don’t mean that I need my laptop because of its high technology but due to its basic function---typing paper works based on the essentially academic requirement. Whatever courses or filed you are studying at, all instructors request “typed” paper works. Without my laptop, I cannot even fulfill the requirement of this class---English 5---to finish this blog. Dated back to the time when I studied in China, I am so familiar with “hand written” instead of “typed”. There is no need to own a laptop to fulfill our academic requirement; it seems like that laptop is necessary to the current society but not to individual, that is, we can live without the laptop, but the current society can not.
Pei Liang
Hi Thomas,
I am so surprised that we have the same thing---netbook or laptop--- we cannot live without. They seem like to become our pens; instead of writing on a piece of paper, formal typing paper works become more and more important in our academic activity. Without it, we cannot even fill out the UC application.
Pei Liang
Hi Thomas,
I am so surprised that we have the same thing---netbook or laptop--- we cannot live without. They seem like to become our pens; instead of writing on a piece of paper, formal typing paper works become more and more important in our academic activity. Without it, we cannot even fill out the UC application.
Pei Liang
I never thought a 14 year old child can so much say in big family decision, she must have some reasonable parents. She understood the economic differences and wanted to change it in some way, breaking the stereotypical view that teens only care about themselves. I don’t think I’ll be able to sacrifice that much as what the Salwens did, they are very kindhearted.
Something that I really can’t live without would be music, it has been an essential part of life. I search for new music everyday and use it as a lullaby to fall asleep. Music helps create a mood that no other type of media can reproduce. I always remember listening to some form of music when I was young, from Barney to the Power Rangers theme song. When I get bored in class, I tend to play a song in my head to make time pass by. Also, when I found a song that's relatable, it gets replayed until I get sick of it. Music has always been apart of my life which I could relate to, it would be hard to let it go.
I can relate with you about games. I also had a Playstation when it first came out and played it everyday after school. Gaming became in obsession rather than a hobby. When I got older, I realized it became too expensive to keep on buying games and consoles since the industry is always releasing new products.
Reading the article, I thought that the Salwens were very kind hearted and courageous people. As humans we are all selfish one way or another therefore it takes alot of courage for one to give up something for the benefit of others. Looking at what the Salwens did by giving up their big house for a smaller one, I don't think that I will be able to do the same as I do not have that kind of money.
One thing that I cannot live without would be my laptop. Technology is way advanced today than many years ago and it allows us to have ease at things such as communicating with the world and running errands online. For me, my laptop is a way to communicate with my families who are in a different part of the world. Instead of sending mails or calling my families who are in Thailand, with my laptop I can speak with them directly through the computer screen and actually see them.
To Jing Cai,
Reading your blog, I can see how important a digital dictionary is to you and that it would be hard for you to sacrifice. To learn a second language is not an easy task and I can only imagine that it would be harder for you since you haven't been in the United States for very long. I am also an immigrant, but my family and I have been here for more than 15 years.
Refer to the article, a 14 year old teenage girl came up with an idea of selling the big house where she was living in, and the whole family moved into a modest house in order to help needy people by donating half of their money. I don’t think I could make such sacrifice as Salwen family did as it needs a lot of courage to make such huge decision.
Five years ago, when I was in Hong Kong, I never thought about driving a car. I spent four hours a day on the bus to my workplace and back to my home. After I immigrated to the United States, having a car is really important here because it’s more convenient for me to go to work or school, and go somewhere else. It saves me a lot of time on transportations so that I could manage my time more efficiently so it’s difficult for me to sacrifice my car. I would prefer to donate some of my savings from work to help the people in need.
I also think digital dictionary is a thing that currently I could not live without it. Since it’s an important tool for us to study English and check vocabularies anytime in anywhere. Whenever I see a new word, I could use my digital dictionary to find out its meaning and save it immediately so that I could review the words later.
Hey Ke, I have to agree with you when you said that you cannot live without your friends. Sometimes we may take them for granted, but they are important to us. I also believe that because I believe my friends are irreplaceable. I just can't imagine what it would be like with no one to hang out with or how it would feel to not be able to play sports with my friends. I would also not be able to sacrifice them.
Usually, people are looking forward to have a bigger house to replace the small one they are living. I never thought and believed that a family would sell their big house and donate half the proceeds to charity until I read this article. Especially in today’s economics, most of people are thinking about how to make more money, not sacrifice. After reading this article, it reminds us that we should help needy people if we can. However, I cannot make the kind of sacrifice that Salwen made since I don’t have such a big house, even I will have in future, I believe that I still cannot make it. Apparently, how kind and courageous Salwen’s family is.
After knowing the sacrifice that Salwen’s family made, I have an impulse to donate and think about what I can live without. I realize that I can make a small sacrifice to Chile and Haiti because of earthquake, such as I can sell my IPod and donate some of the proceeds. I think selling out of my IPod, it won’t be a big effect to me, even no effect. However, I cannot sell my computer, since it is part of my life now. I believe that I cannot live without it because I really need it for my school and working. It had changed me a lot and made my mind openly since I had one about 4 years ago. It makes me and my families and friends who are in China more closely and let me have a wide knowledge about somewhere in the world I have never been. Therefore, if you asking me to sell all my computers as sacrifice, I would say no.
While I was reading this article, I was shocked by what Salwens did. For me, to downsize the house and donate "half the proceeds to charity" were very admirable. However, it was not the kind of sacrifice that I would make. First of all, house is too valuable for me to give up. I admit that I am a little selfish and greed. Second, the social pressure is another resistance that avoids me to do so. To make such a big sacrifice may lead some people to see me "as sanctimonious showoffs." Salwens have encountered this kind of trouble.
For now, I absolutely cannot live without my laptop. I did not have any laptop four or five years ago; but my life was still joyful then. However, after I came to the US, the situation had changed. In this new environment, surfing on the internet became my only form of entertainment. Soon, I became addicted to it. When I got home, the first thing I would do was to turn on my laptop. In addition, as a college student, having a laptop is very necessary. Like Thomas said, we have a lot of assignments that are needed to be typed. Also, the internet gives us a lot helps on doing research. It can make the research much faster and easier.
Hi Thomas,
I do agree with you and I have the same brand netbook with you. I often complain it takes so long to operate but if without it, probably I will experience hard time to finish all my English assignments like writing blog at my home!
I think we have too many things that we cannot live without. To make sacrifice among them, I want to say, it is hard!
I truly agree with your idea that having a car is really important in the United States. Well, if you have a car, you can go anywhere you want to. And it is also helpful to find a job easier because car is a general transportation tool in the United States.
I would not be able to make the kind of sacrifice the Salwens made because my current socioeconomic status would make that difficult. However, if my husband and I were to be blessed with an overabundance of financial resources, we would be naturally inclined to “sow some seed.” Also, we would prefer to do such a task behind the scenes, instead focusing on the charitable organizations themselves.
Four years ago, my computer was a second hand Compaq, riddled with glitches and a slow dial-up modem. Internet speed was akin to maple syrup being poured down an icy slope. Today, I am blessed with a technologically up-to-date desktop computer, LCD widescreen monitor, an HP Officejet Pro 4-in-1 printer, and high speed internet. I could not live my life as a college student without it because the computers at school are abysmal.
Racquel to Johnny Hoang:
I heartily agree with your statement, "...but I think most of us just don't have that kind of money to give up."
What matters is that you would consider "...to help out a little, then I can offer a hand." That little morsel that I quoted from you spoke volumes.
Hi, Sin Yee. I notice that a lot of people cannot live without cars including you. If it was a few years ago, I would disagree with you. However, after I moved to my new house, I realized the importance of having a car. At the first several days, I still tried to take public transits to go to school. It took me almost two hours to reach Laney from this new place. It is just the waste of time. Then, I realized that cars were very necessary for us.
According to "What Could You Live Without", Nicholas Kristof tells a true story that a 14 years old teenager who suggested her parents to sell her family's big house in order to help the poor. Giving up what you have already and using it to better off others is not easy, and it needs a great bravery to do so. This true story inspires people to think less of themselves and do more for the others.
In today's society, I think it's hard for people donate their wealth to some one else. People today have too many things to do about themselves, and they prefer to care about their own rather than giving a hand to somebody who in needed. I highly admire the Salwen's spirit, and their action confirm that "the selfish pleasures of selflessness".
For my own, if there is a thing I could not live without that must be my laptop. I didn't have a laptop 4 or 5 years ago, and I done my homework and paper by handwriting and the researching on the books. Since I bought my first laptop when I went to college, I found that I need it everyday. I need it for my study, and it's such a great convenient thing that gives my not only knowledge but also a lot of fun.
To Fan Wu,
I find that I have the same experience as you do. My first action after I get home is to turn on my laptop, either have fun or study. And I spend so many hours on it everyday. I think the laptop is one of the most important things of college students that many of us could not live without.
Hello Ricky,
Your response is very well written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
This is a very honest response as I suspect several people feel the way you do.
I notice that selling the car is a big deal for you. But if you sell the car and got a smaller, less expensive car, you would probably be doing a service not only to others but also to the environment as it would be more environmentally friendly. Wouldn't you agree?
Hello Werdah,
I'm glad you found the article inspiring. Can you think of something other than your car that you could sacrifice? Something that is not a necessity; it sounds like for you your car is a necessity.
Ms. Wanzo
Hello Class:
Click the title to find the article.
Thanks,
Ms. Wanzo
Hello Class,
You are looking at sacrifice through the eyes of the Salwens. It's not so much about what they've given up, but rather what you could sacrifice. They did a very selfless thing and as many of you have stated, they could probably afford it.
So the question is then what could you afford? Your sacrifice does not have to be to donate to others but it could be to help you.
What kind of sacrifices could you make?
Ms. Wanzo
I do agree with your opinion because car has been a very reliable tool in our life, and we go to work, school and business by this kind of transportation. without the car, many would not be able to go to work on time which can cause they would not be able to earn money to support their life. I can not image what will happen in America if all the cars disappeared.
I'm truly impress by this 14 years old teenager. She is willing to give up her opportunity to live in a nice house, and use the money to help other people were such a commendable action. I would like to make this sacrifice sometimes later in my life. At least when everything is settle in my life that i have a house and job, so i could use the extra money to the charity. One thing that I did not have 4 or 5 years ago that today I feel I absolutely cannot live without is my computer. 4-5 years ago i wouldn't use the computer as much as now. When i have a research paper homework, i would just go to the library to look for the related books and newspapers. Now I realized how easy and fast is it to use the internet to do research.
Hi Ricky,
I really like the point u made that enough is enough. Material possession plays a large role in this society nowadays. Everyone likes to wear expensive clothes, drive a nice car...etc but have you guys ever think about how some people could never get a chance to even wear a new shoes. I mean it is the money that you earn, you could always buy the thing that you like, however, please don't taken it for granted, when you have enough clothes, or shoes, use the extra money to do something meaningful or to help others.
After reading the article, I thought that the Salwen’s family was one of the most caring and courageous people in society, especially their fourteen years old daughter. If I were in the daughter shoes, it would have been very hard for me to give up something that is valuable towards my family and I. However, this was a truly inspiring article.
One thing that I cannot live without would be my G1 T-mobile cell phone because it has internet access, text, GPS system, and other network services. It is a convenient device for me because it allows me to communicate easily with my friends and family. If I had to sacrifice my G1 T-mobile cell phone, for my next options would be using a phone booth or mailing, as a way to communicate.
Hello Jiaqi Ye,
I agree with your comment about people caring for themselves rather than giving a helping hand to someone that are in need. Also, I like when you mention that it is hard for you to live without your laptop. I feel the same about my laptop without it I would have to write out my assignments, which would be complicated at times because it would take a lot of my time. With a laptop it is convenient for our needs because it is a fast and easy device to use.
After i read this article , i was very admired what kevin Salwen did to help the poors .i belive that not many of people can do this sacrifice in this luxury world. people are seeking more and more luxry goods.The goods they wants are unlitmited. For me, i would notbe able to make this kind of sacrifice.This is a huge sacrifice if anyone want to make.Even less he just saw homeless man begging for food and an idea of his daughter.Not just to downsize the house to a smaller house , i don't even have my onw house, how can i do this a huge sacrifice ?
Something that i did not have 4 or 5 years ago, but now i can not live without is my cellphone. in the past, when the telephone or cellphone still not release, we are using letter to contact with friends that's the only way to contact and takes long time to recieve. Now we have cellphone, that more convient and fast to contact . We can esaily to contact friends everytime and everywhere.Some advanced cellphone have internet, we can browse website with phone. if without the cellphone, i would like lost contact of the my ffriends and world.
To Ke Yu
Hi, i do agree with your point, Friends are very necessary in our life . They give us help when we encounter a problem, comfort us when we feel unhappy.we will see them and hang out with them eveyday .Without friends we might be loney and bored.And that's why we say friends are necessary in our life.However, this post should be about something that we can not live without. I dont think frends can be use as an example in this post . Fridends are not something that we used to use. Friends are a person who you trust and hang with. So, i disagree with using friend as an example.
After I read the article, I really think that both the girl and her parents were amazingly brave, specially her parents.They listened to their daughter instead of just ignoring what she said like most grown ups would do in that situation.
There are quite a few things that I can live without. For example; a car, a coffee, a hairspray and a perfume, to name a few. For me , things like hairspray and perfume are such trivial things that we all can live without. As for coffee and a car, it might be hard to disregard them completely.
Personally, I don't drink coffee because of health, don't use perfumes because of their intense smell and don't drive or use hairspray thinking that it might help to minimize the pollution even slightest bit.
Whatever the reason, there are lots of things we can live without just fine, even if it's trivial things. The sacrifice you make doesn't have to big, like Salwens family. Smallest things can make big difference.
Solongo to Anna:
I agree with you on being able to make the sacrifice if I were wealthy enough. I think people who are living payday to payday would not really have the leisure to even think about sacrificing for others.
Many things which bring me great convenience I can give up, like watch, earohone, radiator and car. As a student, I don't have much valuable things. The only valuable thing I have is the car which my father brought me 2 years ago. If I sold it, donated half the money I got, and bought an used car with the other half of the money, my life would change little. However, I just don't want to do that because I love my car. I would not make the sacrifice which Salwens made without a significant reason.
We all have many equipments that we were used to see as a Luxury and yet we see as a necessary today. They are cell-phones, laptops, cameras, ipod, etc.
For me, I can make the sacrifice to give up one or some of them. But I just don't do it for no reason. 4 years ago, my cell-phone was stolen on a bus. I was very mad and I decided not to use a cell-phone. For about 6 month I live without a cell-phone and I found myself was doing perfectly fine. I went school and went home on time everyday so missing a cell-phone course me no problem.
after reading the article i was at awe at his daughter reactions and the supportive decisions that her parents made to support such a logical observation on her behalf. i respect the Salwens and understand their position although the sacrifice was far greater than they had to go or give the principle behind it spoke volumes to the sacrifices that one can or is willing to make to aid a person in need. i can honestly say that if i was indeed in the same position with the ability to make a difference in someones life by downsizing i would do it just as the Salwens did without second thought. coming from a very big family i have always made sacrifices on things to help out a family member in need. i think that more of these type of adjustments need to considered when in search for sincere happiness stability and contribution to community building.
@Werdah;
your response to the article was indeed interesting but even with the adjustments you have made in life to accommodate your life is merely an adjusted and my question to you would be how would that adjustment hinder you if for some reason it was suddenly taken away. what i have learned is that anything materialistic is worth downsizing or sacrificing for the good or benefit of another because if for whatever reason the shoe was on the other foot, ur logic would change i understand that you were once there and your family came here with the american dream in mind but as you have seen first hand, things aren't always what it seems and there is always that time when you may revisit that situation so conditioning yourself to be without or less than will help u cope with it if/when it happens to you.
It is astonishing on how mature a 14 year old girl can think. What is even more amazing is that her family are willing to go through with the idea. Not many people will sell one of their most prized possession and demote their selves to something less valuable. Even adults that are 3-4 times her age are not willing to commit to such a chivalrous act. If everyone have that kind of attitude that the Salwen have, where would this world be?
As i look at the possessions around me i can think of a couple of things that i can sell around me and get something cheaper. However, back when i was a kid i did not have a musical device like an iPod. Back then i did not listen to music as much as i do now. It would be hard for me to let go of my iPod because music is an important aspect for me. I use music for different scenarios to keep me going. I use it during my work outs to keep my adrenaline up. I use it to warm up to keep my body and mine relax before i play sports. I use music for other purpose to keep me entertain during homework or when i take a shower. I listen to music for the love of music. However, if i have to make a choice on sacrificing my iPod for a cheaper device i think i can live without it. As long as i have a functioning device where i can listen to music, everything is gravy.
Whats up Pan Hau
Like you, it would be hard for me to give up my computer considering i use it almost everyday for different purposes. Since we are college students it is very convenient to have a computer or a laptop for everyday use. Not only can we do homework easily, but we can stay connected with our friends and family. It is a hassle having to wait in the library for an available computer when we have to do something urgent.
About 4-5 years ago I wasn't wearing hair weaves much. A few factors went into my hair breaking realy bad in the front, I wear weaves to help my own hair grow out. Hair weaves is something I could live without. The money I spend on the hair and going to the hair dresser could help me in other areas of my life or other people that are in need period.
Five years ago I didn't have a vehicle. The transition from having a car to not having a car was difficult but I could do it again. I would just have to muster up strength to endure this weather and strange people I sometimes encounter when taking public transportation. The bright side though to taking public transportation is, you see things you wouldn't see otherwise and you also meet compatible people you wouldn't normally meet.
I agree, having not having a car when you've had one before can be quite difficult. The world is fast paced and a car makes life easier.
After reading the article i think it was really courageous of them to do that gesture and helped the needed.
The one thing i could not live without is water.
Water an ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed to hydrogene and oxygene, and is vital for life.
Water is a very important source of life, without water there is no life and the thought of having to give it up makes me wanted to drink more. I use alot of water, to shower, to cook, to do dishes, and laundry...etc
Bieng from Africa, some will think that there is desert everywhere, that is far from the truth. my country has alot of water, and beaches and love it very much.
The human body is composed of about 90% of water and we do need it to function.
I remember when I was in middle; I would have always give money to homeless whenever I had money. In my head I thought a dollar can probably so much for them since it does so much for me(well back when I was in middle, yes a dollar can do so much.) and from reading this article I was surprise how a young girl can think of asking to give up her big home to help others.
Money makes the world go round. One thing I know that is important to me is money… yes money shouldn’t be important in life, but as a college student everything I deal with involves money. If I need to get to point A to B. I would need money for gas and after paying for gas, parking, than time for lunch and occasionally clothes. Money is one thing I cannot survive without, unless someone pays for everything than I can probably live without money. =P
To Charline Bissey:
i concur, we can not live without water. my body can not handle so well without having any water in my system.
when you said our body compose up to 90 percent of water. it also reminds me how a friend of mines went to the navy he had to take a certin physical test i believe and they had to weight him to see if he quailfied. since he was a little bit over the weight what he did was dehydrate himself in order lose weight for the moment.
Hey Ms. Wanzo.
I can see what you're trying to say about buying a smaller, cheaper car, but my car already pretty small and cheap. In fact, buying a cheaper car than mine would probably make it an older car, and wouldn't that be worse for the environment?
Hey Ke Yu, I agree with not being able to live without your friends. Without your friends, life would not seem as exciting or fun. I'm tired a lot, but whenever I see one of my friends and we just do stuff, I stop feeling tired. Its as if their presence makes me feel better and happier. Really, our friends are like our second family.
Response to Phillip
I think nowadays many young people are really addictive to music. The hours we spend in listening music was increased during the past 10 years. It is because more and more people have music players while music download becomes easier and easier. On average, I listen music 2 hours per day. If I don't listen I feel bored. But if I listen too much music I get headache. I think that's a common problem for young people.
Hey Werdah
I really like your comment about the car.
Having a car is a big necessity, it is very hard to rely on commun and public transportation especially here in california where publc transportetion stop working at 2am in the morning.
When i first came to the U.S i had had a car and it just died, i thought that i can go on without it, but i realized that it is very difficult especially when you are use to it.
After reading the article I thought back to a recent conversation I had with a girlfriend about the amount of money I spend on things I don't need. The first job I had that allowed me to live on my own only paid $12 and hour and I was able to pay my rent, keep food in the house, all utilities were on including cable and I cleaned my credit debt. Now I have two job more than doubling what I was making back then and I've accumilated so much stuff (credit cards, habits, nails, pedicures, massages) that I always feel like I don't have enough money. But I made it and was comfortable with $12 an hour. My cell phone is something else I really wish I didn't have. I'm dependent on it...why? I remember when I had to keep change and my beeper was enough. I've often thought about moving to a place where I didn't need any electronic gadgets, processed food, name brand clothes or fancy hair styles. I believe that then the "togetherness" that the Salwens achieved would be more atainable.
The sacrifice the Salwens made was major, it would be difficult for to sell their house, and give majority of the money they made to charity. Honestly, I feel I would not be able to make the kind of sacrifice the Salwens mad, but I would be able to cut back on several things. Something I did not have 4 years ago was a vehicle, today I cannot choose public transportation as an option go somewhere. The sacrifice I can possibly make is to sell my car, and buy a car at a lower price. I would do this because my car is luxury, and all I really need a car for is to commute everywhere. The reason I would do this is to help the needy because they can use the money for something for more better than me.
To Charline,
I would have to agree with what you are saying, it was brave and courageous of them to do. And water is a neccesity in life, as an athlete I feel its the most essential thing for me to drink. What kind of materialistic items do you think you can go without?
To Chanda,
I feel the same way as you, I am to dependent on my cell phone. Without my cell phone, I feel empty because at times I need to make important phone calls. But I remember when I was in junior high the best thing was just the house phone. But it is nice at times to get away, and not use that many electronics.
As I read the story, I think I would not do the same thing as Salwens did. In fact, I don’t think the way Salwens did, it did not actually help the poor people. s. If you want to sacrifice your own things to help others, or to sacrifice their most important thing, I think it is stupid. Though I am selfish, but I feel that even though you have to sacrifice their property, donated to charity, but how much they do actually help the poor. My view is that, if necessary to send the money in their pockets, it is better to teach them new skills to allow them a foothold in the community.
For the second question, I think I can not sacrifice my car. Even though it was not a good car, I can not live without it. I need to drive it and use it every day. Maybe I drive it every day, I found that there was no car was good as my car. The car brings me hung conveniences. It became one part of my life. Moreover, if you want to sacrifice it to support the poor people, I would not do that because I believed giving money to the poor people to help them is not a good way and useful way to help them.
Hi, Martin
Well , we have the same situation- -car. I was trying to say you are a nice person. However, if I were you, I cannot do that to sell my car and buy a lower price car and use the money to support people. I think the poor people should work hard and they could have better lives in one day. If you just gave money to them, and they may think not working hard could live in the world. There are still some people could support me. In fact, I may think I was not a good person enough. I was trying to say that I have my car because I work hard. As I came to the United States, people told me that you could live well in the United States since you work hard. That’s the reason why most people would like to come to the United States because they believed their American dream would be come true in one day.
In the article, a young girl makes the decision to sell her house move to a more modest home and donate the rest to charity. This is very inspiring,and a great deed for the community. It's an example of extreme generosity. Sadly, I dont think im capable of doing such a generous deed. Selling my house and moving to a more modest house and donating the rest to charity is the right thing to do. It's just that I dont want to do it. I truly enjoy my house and would have a hard time moving out. The things I believe I could sacrifice are my car and technology. I could sacrifice all my technology because i dont really need it. As far as my computer I dont really need it except to pay a few bills and do school work on. But its mostly used for entertainment and music. My phone would be the next piece of technology to go and this would be probably the hardest thing for me to sacrifice. It feels like my phone is a pretty large part of my life, I rely on it everyday to do multiple things, even tho i dont REALLY need it. This would be a hard thing to give up but I believe I could do it. The third thing I could sacrifice would be my car, and although it would make many simple tasks alot more difficult for me. I could find a way to accomplish everything without it. Although my sacrfices were nowhere near to those of the 14 year old girl they are still significant enough to make a large change in my life.
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