Essential

After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.

Philip Pullman

Does water count as nourishment? What about air? Companionship is a bit insipid. Connection is better. And purpose is right up there.

‘Stories’ includes mythology and scripture – things that help us understand, and come to terms with our mortality. That’s why they are so high on the essentials list.