“I have an interesting case to consider,” he began. “A man with debts.” He gazed at his son thoughtfully. “Who, generally, is stronger, Henri—a man with cash or a man with debts?”
“A man with cash.”
“Suppose though, that a man owes you a debt and can’t pay?”
“He’ll be ruined,” Henri replied coolly.
“But then you lose what you have lent him.”
“Unless I seize all he has in payment. But if that’s worth nothing, then I lose.”
“So as long as he owes you money, you fear him?” Seeing Henri nod, he went on. “But now consider this. What if this man can in fact pay you what he owes, but chooses not to? Now you fear him because he has your money, but since he can pay, he does not fear you.”
“I agree.”
“Very well then. Suppose now, Henri, that you need that money badly. He offers to settle for less than he owes. Do you take it?”
“I might have to.”
“Indeed you might. And now, do you not agree, he has made money out of you? Therefore, because of the debt he owed, he was stronger.”
“It will depend on whether he wants to do business with me again,” Henri said.
“Silversleeves shook his head, “No. It will depend on many things,” he replied. “On timing, on whether you need each other, on other opportunities, on who has more powerful friends. It is a question of hidden balances. Just like this game of chess.” He passed deliberately. “Always remember this, Henri. Men trade for profit. They are driven by greed. But debt is about fear, and fear is stronger than greed. The true power, the weapon that defeats all others, is debt. Fools search for gold. The wise man studies debt. That is the key to all business.” He smiled, then reached out his hand again, “Checkmate.”
The Beginnings – Part 53: A PISCES
July 6, 1983
The days at work are dragging now.
I telephoned George and we may go to a movie on Thursday night.
George said, “Ken’s roommate wants to meet you.”
“Is he as nice as you?” I asked.
“Yes, maybe all four of us can go to the Drive-In…in separate cars, of course.”
I honestly don’t know for sure what the agenda will be for tomorrow. I began to wonder how George’s job-hunting is progressing. I have a feeling that he aspires to be quite wealthy some day. I think he will. The idea of living with him in Greece sounds like a tough one. He actually threw that one out as a futuristic idea. It does sound like a good idea that is worth considering.
I look forward to when we can indulge on plans to camp out in the Northern California area of Westwood (near Chester/Redding) where he grew up. We also want to go to Newport Beach.
As I ponder my relationships with Frank, Tammy and George I find that George is the most impressive. He’s funny and the most fulfilling for me. He is a PISCES. Who would have ever thought that a PISCES would do me in? I.D.J.L.Y.B.E.B.M.M. (I don’t just love your blue eyes but much more.) I yearn to see George when I am away from him for too damn long.
I accompanied Helen Wong to the MACY’s CLEARANCE CENTER tonight to shop for some new clothes. I also spent my lunch hour with her. She’s so sweet. I’m glad I talked her into getting a little gray mini-skirt. She’ll look great in it. I bought a black shirt, a couple of tank-tops, a T-shirt, underwear and socks. She prepared a Quiche Lorraine at her house after the shopping. After that nice meal I returned home.
I telephoned Frank, feeling the need to talk to him. I had the feeling he would be depressed. I wanted to cheer him up.
“Can you give me more details about what’s going on with you and George?” Frank asked.
That threw me for a loop. I chose not to budge, keeping it low key. Why depress him even more?
I finally said, “Let’s just say I like him a lot.”
I do love spending time with George. It’s true.
He wanted to make this moment last as long as possible, to stretch it all the way to infinity.
-Isabel Allende
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS, The Three Marias
0 comments:
Post a Comment