Very interesting (and true) take on money, Richard. It's so complicated. There's Shakespeare's take, neither lender nor borrower be (generally excellent advice), and another writer once said, "Money is to be thrown off the back end of trains." As someone who's lent money every so often (almost always to friends), my attitude has always been, it's not a loan, it's a gift, and if it gets paid back, fine, and if not, not. And so, if I can't afford to lose the money, I shouldn't be loaning it out. I must say, that about 90 percent of the time, the money has been paid back. And when it hasn't, I feel that the person probably needed it more than I did.
Yes, Richie, money has truly taken center stage -- it's the bronze god of the US -- and the never ending lust for more, especially by those possessed by it, is at the heart and behind the harsh hand of all that is currently destroying the precious institutions of our country.
Another excellent post, Richard. Balzac was always broke and Proust was rolling in dough all is life. Funny how that goes. The first situation is more common, it seems.
Your post resonated with me both from personal experience and from my work as a lawyer handling death cases for families where people were fighting over shares of settlements. By the way, if you have the dark side or mean streak that you alluded to in your post, I never noticed it when we were students together at University of Michigan.
Wonderful post Richard! Huzzahs! Can it be converted into cash?!
I am open to suggestions! I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks, Richard. Great essay.
Thank you, Jody. I'm always happy when you like what I post.
Very interesting (and true) take on money, Richard. It's so complicated. There's Shakespeare's take, neither lender nor borrower be (generally excellent advice), and another writer once said, "Money is to be thrown off the back end of trains." As someone who's lent money every so often (almost always to friends), my attitude has always been, it's not a loan, it's a gift, and if it gets paid back, fine, and if not, not. And so, if I can't afford to lose the money, I shouldn't be loaning it out. I must say, that about 90 percent of the time, the money has been paid back. And when it hasn't, I feel that the person probably needed it more than I did.
Knowing you, Charles, I wouldn't expect it to go any other way.
Yes, Richie, money has truly taken center stage -- it's the bronze god of the US -- and the never ending lust for more, especially by those possessed by it, is at the heart and behind the harsh hand of all that is currently destroying the precious institutions of our country.
Money and power, Jane. Two thugs. Isn't that a great line by Balzac?
Yes, money can be a tyrant. A shame, too, since it ought to be a simple tool. But we are a greedy species, aren't we?
Seems so!
Such truth!
Another excellent post, Richard. Balzac was always broke and Proust was rolling in dough all is life. Funny how that goes. The first situation is more common, it seems.
Thanks, Olivier. Balzac nails it once again.
Richard, your essay is insightful and true. Love it.
Thank you, Kaylene. I hope your husband is doing all right.
Your post resonated with me both from personal experience and from my work as a lawyer handling death cases for families where people were fighting over shares of settlements. By the way, if you have the dark side or mean streak that you alluded to in your post, I never noticed it when we were students together at University of Michigan.
Thanks, Stephen. I guess back then none of us had real money worries. Yet.