Music is the fourth great material want, first food, then

Host: The soft hum of the evening surrounded the room, the stillness in the air settling in as Jack sat at the table, his fingers lightly tracing the edge of his cup. Jeeny stood near the window, gazing out at the street, considering the significance of Christian Nestell Bovee’s words.

Jeeny: “I’ve been thinking about what Christian Nestell Bovee said: ‘Music is the fourth great material want, first food, then clothes, then shelter, then music.’ It’s such an interesting hierarchy, isn’t it? The way he places music right alongside the basic needs for survival—food, clothing, and shelter. It speaks to the fundamental role that music plays in our lives, not just as a luxury or pastime, but as something vital to our well-being.”

Jack: “Yes, it’s fascinating, isn’t it? Bovee is suggesting that while food, clothing, and shelter are essential for survival, music holds a critical place in the human experience, too. It’s not just a form of entertainment; it’s a form of nourishment for the spirit. Music has a way of connecting us, of lifting us up, of expressing emotions that words sometimes can’t capture. It’s as necessary as the other things that sustain us.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Bovee is showing us that music is more than just background noise—it’s something that touches us deeply, something that feeds our emotional and psychological needs. Even when our physical needs are met, we still crave music because it satisfies a different part of us. It’s like he’s saying that, after our basic survival needs, the need for connection, for emotional expression, is just as essential as anything else.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as they both reflected on how music impacts not just the soul, but the human experience as a whole. Jack’s fingers rested on the table, while Jeeny’s gaze softened, contemplating the way music often becomes a source of comfort, joy, and meaning, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty.

Jack: “It makes me think about how much music is woven into our lives, even in ways we don’t realize. From the lullabies we hear as children to the songs that accompany us through different stages of life, music is there, constantly. It’s almost like it’s part of our DNA, something we need to feel whole. It’s a way of expressing ourselves and connecting to others, almost like a language that transcends words.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and that’s why Bovee’s words resonate so deeply. Music isn’t a luxury or a frivolous add-on—it’s an essential part of our existence. It’s something we turn to when we need to feel understood, when we need to celebrate, or even when we need to grieve. It’s as important as food or shelter because it touches us in a way that nothing else can.”

Jack: “And it’s interesting how different cultures throughout history have always had some form of music. Whether it’s singing, drumming, or playing instruments, music has always been used as a way to bond, to communicate, and to celebrate life. Bovee seems to be saying that music is woven into our human nature, something we can’t live without, even if it’s not as tangible as food or shelter.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s a reminder that, as much as we focus on the material aspects of life, we also need to take care of our emotional and spiritual needs. Music offers us a sense of expression, and it’s part of what makes us human. It’s not just something we enjoy—it’s a necessary part of who we are, something that sustains us emotionally.”

Host: The room had grown quieter, the weight of their conversation settling into a deeper reflection. Christian Nestell Bovee’s words had sparked a realization that music, like food, clothing, and shelter, plays a fundamental role in sustaining the human spirit. Jack leaned back slightly in his chair, while Jeeny’s gaze turned from the window back to him, both of them recognizing the importance of music in their own lives, not just as entertainment, but as an essential part of what it means to be human.

Jack: “So, in a way, Bovee is saying that music is just as critical to our survival as the basic physical needs. It’s something that nourishes the soul, something that we rely on to feel connected, to express ourselves, to find meaning in life.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Music is more than just background noise. It’s a deep, essential part of our existence. It feeds us emotionally and spiritually, just like food and shelter feed our physical needs. We don’t just live with music—we live through it.”

Host: The evening had fully settled in, the quiet understanding between them a reminder that music is not just an accessory to life, but a fundamental nourishment for the soul. Christian Nestell Bovee had reminded them that music, like food and shelter, is one of the core essentials that sustain us, keeping us connected to the world, to each other, and to ourselves. The world outside had darkened, but inside, there was light—a recognition that music, in all its forms, is a crucial part of what it means to truly live.