Needs, Wants, and Fitness

Fitness in Philosophy

In this episode, we dive into the complex relationship between needs and wants, especially in the context of fitness and health.

By exploring various philosophical perspectives, we examine how "need" can mean different things—from survival necessities to living an optimal life.

Drawing from Kantian ethics, we pose the thought-provoking idea that a life focused only on needs is empty, while a life centered solely on wants is blind.

We also explore the tension between biological needs and desires, discussing how lower-order wants (like junk food or laziness) clash with higher-order needs (such as genuine relaxation and social connection).

Using insights from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Maslow’s hierarchy, we consider how balancing both needs and wants is crucial for a fulfilling life—especially in the modern world, where survival no longer demands physical exertion but emotional and psychological fulfillment still does.