Don’t say I WISH, say I WANT

When I was in High School I remember our teacher in English asked us the difference between wish and want and when to use them accordingly. At that time, we thought we can use it anytime we want because they have the same meaning or shall I say they convey the same context.

However, she said that you may use “wish” if you are thinking of something that will happen but impossible like for example, you wish to rain a snow in the Philippines (it’s impossible because we are tropical country and near the equator). While you say “hope” if you are looking forward to something that may happen which is more likely or it’s possible.

So, I’ve been using that learning from then when I write or in a conversation but I never thought that it will also have a different shall we say “meaning”. That’s when I read Napoleon Hill’s book called Think and Grow Rich. There’s a phrase in the book that says:

Wishing will not bring riches. But desiring riches with a state of mind that becomes an obsession.

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Well, it does not directly differentiate the want versus need in the sentence but the context is right there that if you desire something you need to make sure that it does not come from a “wish” but from a want. Because a desire that roots from “wants” are more powerful; you make sure that it’s achievable, you create plans on how to achieve it, and you are persistent that it will happen. If the desire roots from a “wish”, it is bound not to happen, it became a disposable and cheap desire despite its grandiose nature, it may be as good as trash.

So, next time let us all remember this learning the meaning of want and wish not just in writing or in conversation but also in formulating our desires. Have a happy week ahead!

Author: Gino Pena

Usually confident and calm, Gino is dynamic, intuitive, and a little grain of shyness. He has a keen active mind that is capable of planning ahead and fast decisions. He tends to give out honest helpful advice in a friendly manner. Gino likes to dress smartly in clothes he feels comfortable. Ambitious but not overly so and can be generous to those he loves.