To Have and Have Not

Despite relgions and philosophies which remind us that, ultimately, it is people and our interaction with them that counts, there are some for whom the baseline is always money. It is a sad fact, that some individuals walk around constantly computing the cost. Weighing up who contributes what and how much. It is the cause and prolongation of arguments, fostering ill will and insecurities.

 Growing up impoverished, on the rural Suffolk/Essex border of England, I quickly realised the value of money, but never let the rush to wealth concern me. My mother was a housekeeper to the landed gentry and my father a farm worker. I frequented the homes of inherited wealth as a small boy, and experienced other people's money. Though to talk about money, or to have any interest in money, for them, was crass.

 I have never experienced personal wealth. If I have enough to pay the bills, and some left over, then I am fine. I have had large sums of money stolen from me. I had my house and car stolen by an ex-wife, and put those down to experience. Money, for me, is a necessary evil, one that I could well do without. I am therefore constantly surprised by the value that other people place on money. Surprised that it becomes a focus, for some, in their lives.

When there is so much to learn, do and see in this incredible world, it is sad that some souls let money colour their view. I doubt that I shall ever change except, perhaps, to become poorer in the financial stakes. How people judge me because of this is up to them, for I pity them.