economics

Gratitude as an Economic Model

Imagine a way of thinking that would allow you to create a good or provide a service, give it away with no expectation of return, and have the value of the eventual social return be far greater than any monetary value you might otherwise have asked. What if you could have an entire culture where the only currency is thank you, and your social status is based on how much you contribute to the health of the community as a whole. Well that sounds absurd to say the least. But is it?

The other week I posted a news story on Facebook with commentary that I have compassion for robbers and the robbed, and was met with so much vitriol it astounded me. People I didn’t know called me a moron (and worse), told me to get off of Facebook, and more. What I heard over and over again was, “I’m poor and I’ve never robbed anyone.” That’s great! I’m glad there are poor people that don’t rob others. Keep not robbing.