I was joking with my son about needs vs. wants regarding gun ownership. He wrote the following to me. Makes sense to me!
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Maslow's hierarchy of needs doesn't actually contain a level that includes Glocks (or guns in general) so the traditional argument is that all would qualify as "wants". However I believe I can prove that quite the contrary is true and that, in fact, gun ownership is a fundamental part of an individuals basic needs.
His first level, the basic psychological needs, explains the need to establish homeostasis. Basically this states that we need air, water, heat, etc. Things that, without, we feel discomfort or pain. I don't know about you but not having a Glock, a 1911, a really nice carry piece and a high-end .22 rifle is causing me some discomfort.
The next level up is Safety. I don't even think I need to explain how this relates to firearm ownership. It not only justifies but mandates a CCW permit in as many states as possible. Further it shows a need to own multiple firearms to assure that every possible situation is addressed. Finally it shows that as much range time as possible is required to assure that the proficiency required to provide safety is met.
One more level up is Love. I love my guns. I love to shoot them. To hold them. To clean them. Someday to reload for them. This is a fundamental need.
The next level is Esteem. The first aspect of esteem is mastery of task. I can not speak for you but I know I have not nearly attained mastery of the shooting sports. The second aspect is recognition from peers. Is my shooting such that I am able to impress others? No. Could a new gun or more range time assist this? Of course.
The final level is self-actualization. To become everything that one is capable of becoming. I am capable of being a Glock owner ... but I am not one. I am (I hope) capable of shooting a 5 rounds from 1911 offhand into a 2 inch group at 25 yards ... but I have not done so. Until these, and many other, tasks are completed I can not attain true satisfaction in life.
So in other words there is no "want" in any of this. We have basic needs and those include additional guns, range time and related toys. Not having these could not only stunt our emotional and psychological growth but could hamper our ability to fully function in society.
So the next time you want to buy a gun don't worry so much about what the ramifications of the purchase might be - instead consider how detrimental to your psyche not making the purchase might be.
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Maslow's hierarchy of needs doesn't actually contain a level that includes Glocks (or guns in general) so the traditional argument is that all would qualify as "wants". However I believe I can prove that quite the contrary is true and that, in fact, gun ownership is a fundamental part of an individuals basic needs.
His first level, the basic psychological needs, explains the need to establish homeostasis. Basically this states that we need air, water, heat, etc. Things that, without, we feel discomfort or pain. I don't know about you but not having a Glock, a 1911, a really nice carry piece and a high-end .22 rifle is causing me some discomfort.
The next level up is Safety. I don't even think I need to explain how this relates to firearm ownership. It not only justifies but mandates a CCW permit in as many states as possible. Further it shows a need to own multiple firearms to assure that every possible situation is addressed. Finally it shows that as much range time as possible is required to assure that the proficiency required to provide safety is met.
One more level up is Love. I love my guns. I love to shoot them. To hold them. To clean them. Someday to reload for them. This is a fundamental need.
The next level is Esteem. The first aspect of esteem is mastery of task. I can not speak for you but I know I have not nearly attained mastery of the shooting sports. The second aspect is recognition from peers. Is my shooting such that I am able to impress others? No. Could a new gun or more range time assist this? Of course.
The final level is self-actualization. To become everything that one is capable of becoming. I am capable of being a Glock owner ... but I am not one. I am (I hope) capable of shooting a 5 rounds from 1911 offhand into a 2 inch group at 25 yards ... but I have not done so. Until these, and many other, tasks are completed I can not attain true satisfaction in life.
So in other words there is no "want" in any of this. We have basic needs and those include additional guns, range time and related toys. Not having these could not only stunt our emotional and psychological growth but could hamper our ability to fully function in society.
So the next time you want to buy a gun don't worry so much about what the ramifications of the purchase might be - instead consider how detrimental to your psyche not making the purchase might be.
