Elements of Scarcity

Abstract

We used to chant a rhyme when we were young (I had three dominant sisters and no brothers!): “What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and all things nice. What are little boys made of? Slugs and snails and puppy dog’s tails.” The truth is, of course, that they are all made from the same things, as is everything around them that makes up our diverse and beautiful world as well as much of the universe—the 90 natural elements that are the building blocks of life. It is an amazing thought that these are only building blocks so it is essential that we should nurture and cherish all of them if we are to continue to enjoy life in its abundance.