Free?

Free is such a confusing term. Here’s an example. Back in the day, there was a family of vagabonds that hung out in the Boston Common. They’d accost strangers and tourists, offering a free flower, a daisy, or a daffodil. After accepting it, they’d beg for a donation so they could buy more flowers to offer to passersby. You’d feel like a jerk to complain, but afterward, you’d notice the other teens or parents pulling the same scam on others. Not so free, huh?

That gets me around to an old saying TANSTAAFl – there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. The free lunch was the salty peanuts or other treats offered at a bar. Eat freely, get thirsty, and buy several more rounds of beer. Not so free, huh?

The examples suggest that not so much is free. Well, if you are a grifter, con artist, bunko or thief, I guess that is true. But there is another old saying that suggests otherwise: A giver can receive much more than he gives.

Examples? All my pets have either come from the streets or from animal shelters. In appreciation of the service that the veterinary hospitals, shelters, and other organizations offer, many of my charitable donations go to them. Every time I watch Sabrina or Marcus ( my shelter-originated cats) chase around after a toy, or my dog begs for a walk, I think about the good work of the shelters where I got them.

The same is true of other charitable donations that I can see working in my community every day, programs that help Seniors, children, and mothers. I don’t have to look too hard to see a donation at work creating value for individuals and the community.

There is a principle of reciprocity involved here. We give, and we receive. Mostly, we receive the feeling that our contributions are doing good.

This is much better than free. It’s generating more good than was contributed.