The Elements (1)

Writing about the elements and what they mean for our survival is a bit daunting. So much has been written over the centuries, that I feel I have nothing new to add. In addition, much of what has been written has probably been discussed already. Since each contributes directly to the well-being of all, they (air, fire, earth, water, and spirit) are essential for all life. Without one or more of the basic elements, there would be no life. That is why early Greek philosophers and others focused on learning as much about the elements as they could.



Water

Without water, people plants, and animals could not live for very long. Because our bodies are made mostly of water, we need it to sustain us. Places without water are dry and lifeless for only water provides life for the barren land to become fertile. Since water is so important, animals and plants devise strategies to catch and store water in arid regions. For example, the sandgrouse has a net of filaments on his upper body. After he returns from soaking at the water hole, his chicks drink from the water stored in his net.

Earth

With its bounty, the land sustains life. The plants and trees that grow on the earth nourish us and replenish our air. The earth provides the structure by giving us a firm foundation for our lives. The rocks are the bones that we build our homes on. Moreover, we use the earth’s ores to fashion our civilizations. In addition, our bodies also contain minerals which enhance our well-being. Without them, we would sicken and die.



Fire

Heat in the form of our sun warms Earth, and allows life to flourish there. Cold tends to retard the growth of needed plants for animals to feed on. Moreover, the animals that live in the Polar region are fewer and more dependent on the seas than the land. During the summer’s thaw, only does life explode in profusion.
For humans, fire has made us what we are today. By converting raw food into cooked food expeditiously with fire enabled humans to expend little energy. People could now use their excess energy to develop language and culture. Since fire provided humans with heat, it also enabled them to move beyond hot Africa into colder regions.