Monday, December 30, 2013

Dancing to a richer drumbeat

What rhythm? What dance?
The book,  The Free Lunch - Fairness with Freedom suggests new ways to nudge society to become more equitable. But how far do we want this to happen? This is what a five year old boy did:    

A grandfather made a deal with three grandchildren. The aim was to teach a little about choice, fairness and deferred gratification. 

The deal
The offer to each grandchild was: £1 to spend now, or £2 to spend in two week’s time on holiday. Two agreed to wait. The third, age 5, took his £1 to the shop, spent it on two Moshi Monster sticker packs and gave them to his brother and sister. 

The Free Lunch - Fairness with Freedom hints at the possibilities demonstrated by the boy who chose altruism rather than mere fairness, but the book settles for what might be more generally achievable in society. Since it was written, the near wrecking of the world's financial system and a growing disparity in income levels, has shown that its message is even more urgent.    
[Note: The boy was later rewarded for his generosity with £4 for holiday spending.]
Posted by Charles Bazlinton,  author The Free Lunch- Fairness with Freedom 


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