Music is the fourth great material want, first food, then clothes, then shelter, then music.

This quote by Christian Nestell Bovee, "Music is the fourth great material want, first food, then clothes, then shelter, then music," highlights the deep importance of music in human life. Bovee places music just after the most essential physical needs—food, clothing, and shelter—suggesting that while not necessary for survival, it is crucial for the human spirit. By ranking it as the “fourth great want,” he emphasizes how art, emotion, and expression are central to the human experience, once basic needs are met.

Bovee’s statement underscores the idea that music fulfills an emotional or psychological need, offering comfort, joy, and meaning in a way that purely material things cannot. While we need nourishment and safety to live, we also crave beauty, connection, and inspiration, which music provides. It serves as a universal language that can heal, uplift, and unite, making it a necessity of the heart and mind.

Christian Nestell Bovee was a 19th-century American writer and aphorist, known for his sharp and poetic observations about life, culture, and human nature. His quotes often explore the interplay between the practical and the emotional, blending philosophy with wit. This particular quote likely arose from his reflections on the role of culture and the arts in shaping civilized life.

Ultimately, Bovee’s message is that once our physical survival is secured, we instinctively seek out music to enrich our souls. It’s a reminder that while artistic expression may not be essential to staying alive, it is essential to truly living—an integral part of what makes life meaningful and human.