a) Sometimes what we want is not what we need. It has happened that many people, perhaps all people, want a luxury life, full of commodities and just thinking about yourself. You can see this in all lottery advertising and also in media presentations of what "welfare" means. But I think we should have less-selfish perspective of living. Our conception of "self" should include individual and collective condions. So, the kind of life I'll like to live would be filled with people that really cares about each other, not because it loks would or just to show off, but because is the best and more coherent way of development we could chose.

b) Of course, the answer is "no". But not in such a dramatic way. For instance, I cannot direct my country choices, I cannot directly decide whether my country goes to war or not, signs some agreements that would benefite/ disserve the people, etc. Certainly, even some close desitions are influenced by closer social circles, such as family or friends. For example, in your career choice, parents tend to like laws, medicine, engieneering, etc... but if you decide to study other things like art, music, even social science, it is not widely accepted. Still, speaking personally, I think I have negotiated what I like with what other people might want for me.

c) It's not like a 100% no. But I think we are lacking more conversation an negotiations skills. Good reuslts can be achieved for both sides of any problem through talking. Specially in environmental issues, we can choose to have a life rapped with concrete, or a life that mixes up biodiversity contidions of living and ours.