Page 26 - #letter to son

#SangamNiti SUNRISE
However, money was still not a major consideration in these exchanges
that were informal, yet sacrosanct.

During our times, when ‘Bank of Dad’ was almost always insolvent, we
often used to rely on the good old barter system, exchanging books,
marbles, toffees and essentially all other items that we believed we
could use and also that could come to someone else’s use. This sense
of fellowship not only kept the bundle united, it also fostered a sense of
equality within the community.

Even today, this sense of equality prevails with the devastating 2011
Japanese tsunami episode coming to mind. Despite the wreckage,
rubble and desolation, the Japanese people were patient in lining-up for
food at camps and shelters, while taking only as much as they needed.
There was no senseless hoarding. I have always considered the Japanese
to be wise and it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that they have
created a highly resilient and progressive society. Today though, regional
protectionism and restrictions on trade flows are diametrically opposite
to the history of mankind that thrived on trading of goods, services and
other resources freely, without currency coming into the exchange.

In this respect, the advice that I received from my seniors is invaluable.
It is worth millions of dollars as it has made me into who I am today. If
not for them, I would have either been long gone or would have turned
recluse. The problem plaguing today’s society is that it feels money is
the only currency of value. But stop to think of the value of someone’s
advice, opinion or suggestion that has altered the course of your life.
If you do that, you’ll be surprised to know the credits logged into your
life’s account.

#SangamNiti: Your talents, resourcefulness, creativity and imagination
are worth several billions. What is also invaluable is the advice and
opinion of those who matter to you. Paradoxically, we only value hard
currency, which is, on paper, only paper.

18