We need food, clothes and shelter. If we could get food, clothes and shelter without
working, we probably would not work. But even when we have these essential things, we may
want other things. If we had them, these other things (like radios, books and toys for children)
might make life more enjoyable.
The science of economics is concerned with all our material needs and wants. It is not just
concerned with basic needs like food, clothes and shelter.