by N.R. Gee

Created on: September 29, 2009

Life necessities are those things needed for one to survive. They are food, water, shelter, and warmth. As a human being that is thankful for having life necessities and much more, I am aware that some have more than others. With this observation, I would also say that life necessities are required in appropriate amounts for one to be healthy and sustain life.

Food and water is needed to give one nutrition and help the body function properly. Shelter is needed to protect from nature's elements such as rain, lightning, wind, intense heat and cold. One most certainly will freeze to death in climates where temperatures go far below zero if they do not have heat.

Living in a country where a luxury can have different meanings to different people, an education in defining necessity can help. To become familiar with the requirements of what makes a necessity and a luxury, all one needs to do is take a look at the past. Electricity was not necessary to cook or have warmth in prehistoric times.

In a more civilized world, the necessities of life have remained unchanged. What has changed is how people live. Developments allowing "climate control" make people more comfortable conveniently with mechanical heating and cooling. A luxury that is not available to everyone. Air conditioning takes the place of wind, shade, and nightfall for some. For others, this is all they have. Warmth is achieved through modern central heating systems electrically operating to warm homes with gas, propane, and more is a luxury for those living in places where this is an option, but not everywhere in the world. This is not a reality for those without electricity. For some all they have is a wood stove, fireplace, or just fire itself. Cooking can be particularly challenging for people without electricity. In places where electrical appliances are not available only fire can generate the heat needed to cook food.

Life necessities are the most basic requirements needed to live. They are the same as they have always been. They are defined by their involvement in how they protect and nourish a human being. In a rich country, life necessities can be misconstrued for more common luxuries. If one asks if he or she can honestly live without something, they are on their way to understanding what a true necessity is. With the understanding that life necessities are essential to everyone living on this planet, it is a pleasure to know that some people can choose what they want after their needs are met.

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