Interesting that the word ‘need’ has not been used in any responses so far. If what we want conflicts with what we need, then what we can do is altered by our own choice. I believe that anything is possible, therefore nothing is true? – never can recall which philosopher said that which means that ‘can’ is entirely contextual. The paralympians show us that they ‘can’ do some incredible things, partly through use of new technology, but at least as much because of changes in perceptions and prejudices surrounding disability.
What we ‘can’ do is based on intent. The ‘want’ or need may dictate where we focus our intent, but our capabilities are entirely relative (surely?). If wants equate to wishes, this explains how we should ‘beware of what we wish for’. We surprise ourselves by getting what we want, whether or not we actually (consciously) thought that we could. Unconscious actions, the daily paths we make towards our conscious aims and the ways in which we deal with unforeseen circumstance may bring us exactly what we want. Whether we wanted it or not. So to speak.
Taking time to be clear about what we intend may help sort out what we want, the ‘can’ part is mainly down to belief, I think…