Islamabad, Pakistan
Khadim Hussain, 37, Driver
If I really think about it, I realize there is nothing I cannot do without. I think once a person sets their mind to it, it is possible to do without any of the modern conveniences. I think even if I had to walk hundreds of kilometers to get somewhere, I could do it if I just set my mind to it.
John Naccarato, 43, Artist
Espresso Maker, to get up in the morning and have that kind of a persistent buzz to get me through the daily grind.
Peter Bori, 32, Car Sales Manager
I could not live without my mobile phone, because I need to have contact with my family and friends. It helps me to maintain relationships with people, especially those which I was not in contact with before. It makes my life easier at work. I also have a greater sense of security in case something unpredictable happens.
Therese Layous, 33, Graphic Designer
I think the computer is the most important one. Beside that it keeps me connected to the world through the internet, I spend a very long time working on my projects and if it weren't for the computer, I am sure it would take me forever to finish a single task. So somehow it has become my standby friend.
Tsiakou Panagiota, 61, Dentist (recently retired)
I can survive without any modern convenience. It's not necessary for me to be hooked on any comfort.
Daniel Carmstedt, 40, Shop Assistant
A car. I can go from point A to B without any fixed time. The biggest freedom ever was when I got a car and driver's license. The car gives you freedom.
Khanchand Pratabrai, 73, Businessman
The one modern convenience that I am very used to is satellite television. I would not say I can't live without it though. But I really like it. I especially enjoy watching the news. It helps me keep in touch with the world. It helps me build a perception about what is happening in society—the good, the bad. I also watch various entertainment channels as I enjoy movies as well as music. Satellite television keeps me entertained throughout the day.
Jiang Chenxuan, 40, Accountant
Gas. If there was no gas then cooking rice, boiling water, and taking a bath all be quite inconvenient.
Anca Porutiu, 29, Lawyer
Computers help to create documents; I like my coffee filter; but what one modern convenience could I not live without and why? I would say nothing, nothing is really that essential. People in antiquity lived just well, their lives were a lot less stressful and less complicated, which I really like. So I would assume that there is nothing in the realm of modern convenience which I can not live without.
Swee Sim, Computer Consultant
I could live without the TV, because there is a lot of violence, sex and other not so good qualities in most shows. Some few and far between shows are decent like public TV with no commercials, but most of it is garbage.
Doug Cook, 35, Finance Manager
I think e-mail; the reason being, as within my job in finance, we become very dependent on this form of communication. Seems to be cheapest, quickest, most reliable, but sometimes I must admit I think it’s quicker to … I don’t know, the way that e-mails can be misinterpreted when people read it. Even though you haven’t intended it that way, can cause conflict and sometimes I think it is easier to pick up the phone and do it that way.
Look for the Global Q&A column every week, when Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspective on local and global realities.
Next week’s global question: In honor of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, what changes would you like to see in the media in your country in the coming year?
