MEASURE A LIFE – WATCH FOR MELODRAMMA
Friday, July 16, 2021
Life has value.
But what is it about life that we value?
Is this a math question about assets and liabilities, a human balance sheet equation, or a philosophical problem to solve?
What determines value?
I think it’s about the qualitative values we hold and/or action steps we take. Also, it’s about the actions we take.
It’s about our ability to hustle when needed and to reflect when we are done.
Beneath that, a simplistic-sounding challenge – the issue of ‘what we value.’
A long time ago, people did business on a handshake with someone we looked in the eye, and trust was built on how people acted when something went wrong far more than bragging about how things would go well most of the time.
So how can I, or how can anyone, pick winners and losers?
My life, for me, holds different value than it does to anyone else. And in turn, I see someone else’s life – not by their values or what they say, but by observing their actions. Those actions, or inactions, tell me what I need to know. I don’t need to see the whole picture, but I would be a fool not to pay attention to the portion of the scene I witness.
Someone’s value to me is what I see.
Their actions speak loudly, and their silence or inaction when they go quiet is a louder-still message.
To governments, I’m a statistic – part of the demographics of where I live, what I contribute to my fellow citizens vs. what I cost them. To advertisers, again, I’m a demographic targeted by where I live, gender, age. To politicians, I’m a demographic too – first, they want to categorize me, maybe they want me out to the polls, or perhaps they want me to stay home.
To family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and competitors – we are also a statistical demographic of how much value we hold and for how long we’ll hold their interest.
Then, we’ll be done and of no consequence to anyone.
Fade to black.
Reader feedback:
Hey Mark, Another insightful message. Happened to be my birthday yesterday, so this message stood out. Thanks for the continuous pearls of wisdom. It’s nice someone’s trying to put some context to our little ecosystems! Regards, WL-S, Calgary, AB
Great Message. We'll Said. - MJ, Calgary