way i think of it is that its in nature that anything that has a life in it does what it takes to continue its life. there are reasons to want to die, but even while dying (no matter the reason) your soul will continue to fight to live.
I see many other high end watches as waste of money, but not rolex. If you buy a Gold Rolex they actually appreciate with time or at the least you won't loose much value when you do sell it. I agree the reasons you have suggested are primary reasons people do buy high end watches.
Before cars invaded Ahmedabad, India, two wheelers and rickshaws were primary modes of transportation for longer distances. Walking and bicycles were used for shorter distances.. Cars were used on occasions.. Traffic issues were non-existent. People starting using cars as primary mode of transportation because everyone else started doing it.. meaning using two wheelers became less safe, more car traffic, increased pollution effects, etc.
Idea is to go back to using cars as only ocassional mode of transportation and for that one option is govt helps reduce traffic for two wheelers/rickshaws/bicycles.. Dedicated lanes for these would help.
Fasting is quite common in Jainism.. There are various fasts people take on, among which is atthai - no food or water for eight days or just no food for eight days.. I've done it once.. its quite similar to how its described in this article.