Economics is generally defined as the problem of how best to allocate limited resources, limited because needs are characterized as unlimited, but common sense tells us that rather than limited resources, there is an abundance of resources. The dissimilarity is one of perspective and this is core to any alternative understanding of economics. If needs are the focus, then of course resources are limited by definition, but if minimum requirements or essentials are used as the foundation, then resources are seen to be abundant. The difference is among a description and an explanation. A focus on needs or desires explains a market situation, while a focus on essentials or needs permits an explanation of choices to begin.