RE: Contest | 25-Word Comment - Monkey Business | No Cash
Ironically, a life without cash often enables us to give something of more value than one filled with financial abundance. I’m pretty sure many would think otherwise, of course – after all, think of everything money can buy or do!
But let's pause for a moment. Let’s say for instance, you wanted to give your friend a gift, but since you're financially unable to buy one, you decide to make something instead. Say, you decide to make a chess table because you know your friend loves chess. So, you begin searching design ideas, looking for materials available around you, and perhaps consulting your neighborhood for advice on how to build it. Once everything is ready, you set your mind and hands to work.
Now, imagine yourself as the friend in this scenario—how would you feel receiving such a gift? And then compare that to receiving the same gift, but purchased from a store. Sure, a purchased gift may reflect someone’s hard-earned money, but what does it say about a person who goes out of their way to personally make something just for you? The thought behind it – the hours dedicated, the attention given, and the creativity they worked hard to bring to fruition.
When we lack money, we have only ourselves as "capital" to offer when helping or giving to others. It behooves us to give more of our time and effort, creating a deeper connection with those we help and, consequently, strengthening our social relationships.
I am in no way downplaying the idea of having cash; I believe it’s equally important. I'm just trying to shed some light on the other-dimly lit side of the fence we often overlook.
#betterlife #comment #season #nocash
inviting @tonami
You can offer yourself to me @henryclive but no way I can make you a chess table if I lack the materials! My neighbours will never lift a hand and live kilometers away. So the options left are no friends, no family, no celebrations.
The beggar on the street might changevhis attitude and be happy to receive a fork, mugorsome sugar bags if no cash is available.
It will take generations before people will change into helpful creatures. Look around you with all the tech and help we do not even find time to text a message with "how do you do".
If it comes to making gifts we (me and my family and friends) are already at the level of DIY since 2 if not 3 generations and I can tell you not many appreciate it (schoolkids to start with).
Many will be jobless if we plunder nature to be creative instead of buying all the trash sold. 🤔
oh, I see what you mean. I think I misunderstood the subject. I thought about it in general as 'money' instead of an actual 'no cash' transactions.
by trash, I assume you mean mass-produced products? While I agree that opting to be creative by being resourceful could result to unemployment, don't you think that these same products also plunder nature - and on a much larger scale?
I understand that only few people appreciate DIY gifts these days (thanks to capitalism) but I guess it all boils down to personal preference and convenience. If you like giving diy gifts, then do so, but if you find it inconvenient, then by all means, follow your heart and just purchased some.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s really unfortunate that we’d rather buy creativity than make it ourselves.
You know schools here say that if a child has a birthday (or teacher) and the like to celebrate it's not allowed to give candies or unhealthy treats.
So I baked rolls, also in the shape of letters and I noticed as my eldest was still going to pre school (3 years old) children were happy with it but everything changed about 10 years later. Spoiled children and all they wanted is candy and presents, the more the better and bought of course.
Can be today they would like it again since 6 out of 10 children if not more by now go to school without a meal and have no lunch either and receiving a gift these days is rare. Everyone is out of money (and time to make one). Let's see what December 5th will bring us and if "present gifts" are made.
Which reminds me that I should write some poems.
Well, I quite agree to creativity though I am not sure it will sit well with everybody but I still feel that some gifts are better purchased at the store.
Without cash in this context we will simply go back to trade by bater
You're right that's why I emphasized in the beginning that not everyone shares the same view. And I agree 'some gifts are better purchased at the store' due to their standard quality although it depends on personal preference. As for me, personal effort behind a gift holds more weight - be it ugly or a beauty. I am not damning our current system; it's convenient and expedient even, I just tend to explore unpopular views on the other side, hence this. I personally think going back to barter system wouldn't be as bad, I think we'd reclaim much of our lost creativity in this way.
By cash we talk about the coins and notes in the wallet right? We still have the debit or visa card and who knows the digi-currency with restrictions.
Trading is fine, why not but not possible for everyone. Those who clutter will be the new rich!