Need for a particular good is a want. Need of a feeling being is deterministic and inert; in opposition to that, want of a sensitive being has its definite object in a good; hence want as such is teleological and goal seeking. The concreteness of goods – in the system of goods – translates the quantitative character of needs to the qualitative nature of wants. All wants are for specific deficient goods – not just an enacted drive away akin to the diminishing need. Not the simple repetitiveness of a single move is important in a want, as it is with an insatiable need, but its clear definition by some economic good. Thus want charts a system of wants.
Historical Backdrop
JEAN-JAQUES ROUSSEAU Discourse on the Arts and Sciences and Discourse on the Origin of Inequality: progressing civilization degenerates conveniences into true needs; the savage lives in oneself, but the civilized man out of oneself.
ADAM SMITH Wealth of Nations: limited human stomach and unlimited desire for conveniences.
JOHN MCCULLOCH The Principles of Political Economy: progressive nature of man.
FREDERIC BASTIAT Harmonies of Political Economy: need, taste, want.
WILLIAM HEARN Plutology: want.
FRIEDERICH NIETZSCHE Joyful Wisdom: need.
THEODORE LEVITT Marketing Myopia: want.
HERBERT MARCUSE One-dimensional Man: false need.
JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH The Affluent Society: dependence effect.
GILLES DELEUZE and FELIX GUATTARI Capitalism and Schizophrenia: desiring-machines.