I had no idea that I owned a vase much more precious than Bohemian crystal,
more valued than Chinese porcelain…

Times change and strange things may happen.

I would have never imagined that in many countries people would have considered lack of toilet paper almost more dramatic than lack of certain kinds of food.
Then I have seen quite troubling videos of people fighting to seize all the packages of toilet paper that they could, and an Australian friend of mine confirmed that it was not an isolated episode.

I'm aware that, under difficult circumstances, people can react in a frantic way. I would understand if, expecting even worse times, they would try to stock basic food, water, medicines. It would be a normal reaction of self-defence against possible futures serious penuries, but toilet paper…Come on!

Well, don't misunderstand me. I know the use of it and I also know that it's strictly connected with natural functions…err…that we cannot suppress. But it's not so terribly fundamental, if we have a shower and some soap.
Of course it's not easy to find a bidet in every household, but…

We are too spoilt by our habits and often we take things for granted.

Toilet paper is a relatively recent invention. Although an American entrepreneur started selling the first commercially packaged toilet paper in the middle of 19th century, it took more than two decades or so before toilet paper came in perforated rolls. That said, the quality of the paper meant splinters were a common problem.
Ultra-soft toilet paper was a dream that wouldn’t be realised until the 20th century.
If we consider the matter from a historical perspective, we realize easily that human beings have gone through centuries and centuries without their 3-ply roll and they have managed.

Back in ancient times, the Romans, who were rather sophisticated and avoided more banal items, as leaves, used a sea sponge on a stick.
They would clean themselves with it, rinse it in the running water (public bathrooms had them on the floor) and leave it soaking in salt water in between uses.

I feel a privileged, anyway, since I don't lack of the precious rolls, but I assure you that I didn't fight for them.

A pinch of humour helps…