Thinking Out Loud, Volume CCXXX

I believe in giving credit where credit is due, and there is one group of people that really helps to make the world go 'round, yet they never get any recognition; so today I want to personally thank them for their contribution. First of all, however, I would like to build a foundation that will help you to understand why I believe this particular group deserves our gratitude.

Have you ever heard of the concept called "survival of the fittest?" Here's how it works: Let's say there is a herd of gazelles out grazing on one of the plains of Africa, and there is a lion crouching down in the tall grass watching and waiting for the right moment to attack. Suddenly, without warning, she makes her move, and when she does, the gazelles also spring into action as they flee for their lives. One of those gazelles is about to become that lion's dinner, but which one will it be? Chances are, it will be the slowest, weakest member of the herd. If it had not been for that slow, weak gazelle, the lion would have had a much harder time getting her meal. Just as in nature where the creatures of prey feed off of the weak, the same holds true in our human society.

Throughout her life, that lion has watched and studied gazelles, so she knows their habits and how they are likely to react to a certain situation. Businesses study the habits of consumers for the same reason. Have you ever been to Las Vegas? Or Atlantic City? Or even Biloxi? Do you think the owners of those gigantic casinos can build such huge operations off of what their customers win while they're there? Would Wal-Mart have as many stores as they do if people only bought what they need? Of course not! There is a sizeable segment of the population who would be much better off financially today if they weren't so gullible when it comes to the big "Blowout" sales, outlet malls and impulse items. If people were more careful with their money, we wouldn't see nearly as many garage sales as we do, for two reasons: Buyers would not be as willing to spend their money on junk that they don't need just because it's cheap; and we wouldn't have that stuff to sell in the first place if we had really needed it when we bought it. If I buy an expensive item that I can't afford just so I can impress those around me, I have wasted my money. If I buy an item I don't need just because it's half price, I have foolishly wasted my money. I know about the group of people that I'm talking about because for too many years I was numbered among them. For example, I remember one time, many years ago, when I bought an entire set of four tires at an auction for only $9.00 (one regular tire and three mudgrips). Fortunately I was able to find someone to buy the three mudgrips for $5.00, but I was still out $4.00 for a tire that stayed in my storage building giving a home to spiders and other creatures for about six years until I finally threw it away. I decided that the spiders could find their own home without me spending money to provide one for them.

Maybe I should go back and re-word some of what I had to say in that last paragraph, because I'm making it sound like I'm being critical; when actually the purpose of this entire article is to express my gratitude. Just recently I heard the President urging citizens to spend their money instead of opening savings accounts, and without a doubt there are multiplied millions who will heed his request. I certainly hope so, because they help my business tremendously, and I need that money so I can get ME one of those savings accounts.

I've heard it said that if you took all the money in our country and divided it up equally among every person, within five years that money would be back in the same hands it came from. I believe that, only because of the group of people I've been talking about. So to all the weak-willed shoppers and impulse buyers, our nation applauds you. We appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

Preston