04/10/2024
A lady approached an old street vendor and asked, "How much do you sell your eggs for?" The elderly man replied, "50 cents an egg, madam." The lady responded, "I'll take 6 eggs for $2.00, or I'll leave." The old man, needing the sale, said, "Buy them at the price you want, Madam. This is a good start for me because I haven't sold a single egg today, and I need this to live."
She bought the eggs at her negotiated price and left, feeling as though she had won. She then got into her fancy car and went to a high-end restaurant with a friend. They ordered what they wanted, ate a little, and left much of the food untouched. When the bill came, totaling $150, the ladies gave $200 and told the restaurant owner to keep the change as a tip.
This story might seem normal to the restaurant owner, but it's a stark contrast to the interaction with the egg seller. It raises an important question: Why do we feel the need to assert our power when buying from those in need, yet show generosity to those who don't require it?
There’s a story of a father who used to buy goods from poor people at a higher price than they asked, even though he didn’t need the items. Sometimes, he paid more than the asking price. His children, puzzled by this, eventually asked him, "Why do you do this, Dad?" The father replied, "It’s charity wrapped in dignity."
Most people might not share this message, but for those who take the time to read it, this small attempt at "humanization" may be one step further in the right direction.